Electrical Injury Workers’ Compensation Claims in Illinois

Experienced Chicago-Based Attorneys

While electric shocks often have minimal effects on people, they can also be very dangerous. Some Illinois workers could face life-threatening electrocution while performing their work duties. If you get hurt in this type of work-related accident, you could file an electrical injury workers’ compensation claim to receive financial benefits.

IL Work Injury Lawyer is a specialized law firm that can guide you through the claims process to receive the compensation you deserve. Our Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys have experience handling electric shock accidents throughout Illinois. 

Why Choose IL Work Injury Lawyer

A highly rated personal injury team can have a massive impact on the outcome of your claim. Our firm has consistently maintained an A+ grade from the Better Business Bureau and a five-star rating from Avvo. 

Here is an example of a settlement we have secured in the past for a victim of a workplace electrical shock:

Carlos, a chemical plant manager on assignment at an industrial site on Chicago’s South Side, was electrocuted while plugging equipment into a frayed extension cord in his temporary on-site office. The shock caused nerve damage in his dominant arm and ongoing neurological symptoms, forcing him out of his role. The investigation revealed that the extension cord had been provided by a subcontractor and had visible wear that had gone unaddressed.

Factors impacting the final case value of $3.05 million included unsafe workplace conditions, poor maintenance oversight, loss of earning potential, and multiple contractor defendants. 

What Are Common Causes of Electrical Injuries in Illinois Workplaces?

The cause of your work-related electrocution could play an important role in the outcome of your claim, so here are some potential causes:

• Contact with live overhead or underground power lines
• Faulty or exposed wiring in buildings
• Defective electrical tools or machinery
• Wet or conductive work conditions
• Failure to comply with OSHA standards
  • 1910.137(a)(3)(i) – Equipment shall be free of physical irregularities that would affect its insulation
  • 1910.269(a)(2)(i)(A) – Employees working near electrical components must be trained on safety standards that pertain to their duties

What Types of Electrical Injuries Are Covered by Illinois Workers’ Compensation?

• Electrical burns (first-, second-, and third-degree)
• Nerve damage and neuropathy
• Cardiac arrest or arrhythmia from electric shock
• Muscle, tendon, and ligament damage (sprains and strains)
• Brain injuries from hypoxia
• Vision or hearing loss from arc blasts
• Fatal injuries

What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Illinois?

Under state law 820 ILCS 305 (the Workers’ Compensation Act), injured employees who are hurt on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if their injuries occurred during their normal duties. Most employers are required to carry this type of insurance to protect workers.

Here are the various benefits you could receive if your claim is successful:

• Lost wages – Typically up to 2/3 of your normal pay
• Medical Benefits – Full coverage of reasonable treatment
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – Wage replacement while unable to work
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – Wage differential when working light duty at reduced pay
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Lump sum or weekly payments for permanent impairment
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – Lifetime benefits for total loss of earning capacity
• Vocational Rehabilitation – Training for a new line of work
• Disfigurement Benefits – Compensation for visible scarring or disfigurement
• Death Benefits – Weekly payments for dependents

What Is the Average Electric Shock Workers’ Compensation Payout?

Several factors that will determine your settlement amount include injury severity, ability to return to work, vocational retraining, and third-party liability. 

Payouts for workers’ compensation cases involving electric shock range from $472,500 to over $6 million. The average settlement is $2.38 million. 

Example Cases

Caesar, a construction supervisor, was observing ceiling lights from a ladder in 2018. He encountered an energized wire that knocked him to the ground, injuring his head and right hand. Caesar filed a workers’ compensation claim to recover medical expenses and ongoing treatment. A settlement was reached for over $6 million, which included an upfront payment of $440,000 and ongoing monthly payments for life. 

Amanda, a tray line aide in a hospital kitchen, noticed an unplugged refrigerator in 2001. When she attempted to plug it in, she received an electric shock that knocked her backward and caused a head injury. Amanda sued the hospital for unsafe premises, claiming that the unplugged machine was a hazard that should have been addressed to prevent shock injuries. She was awarded $472,500. 

Why You Need an Illinois Electrical Shock Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Seeking workers’ compensation can be complicated, especially since you must understand OSHA violations and Illinois labor laws. There is also a potential for both workers’ compensation and third-party negligence claims. 

Some defenses lawyers may use to undermine your claim include:

• The injury was due to worker misconduct
• Alleged failure to use the provided PPE
• Dispute over whether the injury was job-related

We can counter these arguments with medical records, witness statements, and safety inspections.

How Common Are Electrical Shock Injuries in Illinois?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 150 electrical workplace fatalities occur every year in the country. In 2021, there were four deaths associated with electrical equipment workers in Illinois. 

Since 2024, OSHA’s Chicago office has reported nine fatal electric shock incidents involving employees. 

Where Do Electric Shock Injuries Happen Most in Illinois?

Although workers can get injured by electrical currents in almost any setting, some locations are more dangerous than others:

• Chicago Loop high-rise projects
• CTA rail yards and train lines
• O’Hare and Midway airport construction sites
• Industrial corridors (South Deering, Pullman, Cicero)
• Rural agricultural operations

How Long Do I Have to File an Electrical Shock Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Under state law 820 ILCS 305/6(d), you will have three years from the date of the injury, or two years from the last payment of benefits, to file a workers’ compensation claim. 

The deadline is measured from whichever date is later. 

Who Is Legally Liable for Electrical Shock Injuries in Illinois?

Several parties may be responsible for issues with electrical systems that cause serious injuries:

• Employer (workers’ comp benefits)
• Electrical contractors or subcontractors
• Utility companies
• Property owners
• Equipment/tool manufacturers

How to Strengthen Your Electric Shock Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you plan to file a claim after your electrocution accident, you must follow the proper steps immediately after the electric shock occurs:

• Report the injury in writing
• Seek immediate medical attention
• Document the hazard and take photos/videos
• Get names of witnesses
• Retain all medical records and lost income documentation
• Consult our top-rated attorneys before giving statements

How IL Work Injury Lawyer Can Help

IL Work Injury Lawyer can provide crucial legal services to help with your workers’ compensation case:

• Filing and managing the workers’ comp claim
• Ensuring full benefits are paid, including long-term costs
• Appealing wrongful claim denials
• Identifying potential personal injury claims
• Negotiating with insurance companies

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Our team works on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win. We also provide legal services for clients across Illinois, helping them secure the benefits they deserve. 

Whether you suffered from cardiac arrest, electrical burns, or fall injuries after the shock, contact a Chicago work injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.