Electricians are skilled tradesmen but may suffer from workplace injuries as a result of the type of job they do. If they are working for an employer, they may be able to recover any medical or hospital costs and a reasonable portion of lost wages as a result of their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation laws are slightly different in every state, but they serve to protect the workers who are injured or fall ill as a result of their work. These laws also protect the employer from being sued. An Injured Electrician May be Awarded Compensation for Lost Wages Based on Most Recent Earnings When you file a workers’ compensation claim, the two common components that are part of the settlement are medical expenses and a portion (usually around two thirds) of any wages that would be otherwise lost as a result of the injury or illness causing an absence from work. The wage component is based on the electrician’s recent earnings, and this number is calculated to cover lost time after the accident or illness as well as any time away from work. In some states, this figure might be limited to a specific time period. Electricians earn $25 an hour on average and just over $52,000 a year. These are U.S. figures obtained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cover what was known in May 2016. Electricians’ real wages vary depending on how many hours are worked, the employer, and the place where the electrician works. Disability Types for Injured Electricians On the face of it, electricians seem to do quite a risky job. They are exposed to certain types of injuries that are not common in any other type of trade or profession. One of the main risks is shock from high voltage electricity. Anything over 75mA for any length of time can cause irregular heartbeat or even death. This is what a small electric drill might use. An injury to the heart may mean the electrician cannot return to work for a short time at least, and they may be able to apply for a temporary total disability benefit as part of a workers’ comp claim. Electricians are also exposed to the risk of burns, slips, trips and falls as they maneuver themselves around a building as they inspect, repair, and install electrical work. Of course, there are many different types of injuries that are covered by workers’ compensation claims. Depending on their exact injuries, they may be awarded disability benefits for injuries/illnesses that could be temporary or permanent. Temporary disability implies that the worker returns to work at some point. In addition to temporary total disability, temporary partial disability means that the worker may be able to work at a lower rate or on a different job. By contrast, permanent total disability means the worker will never return to that job because the injury or illness was too severe. Permanent partial disability means that the worker can return to work but only at a reduced pace, reduced number of hours, or a different job. Gathering Relevant Evidence Your workers’ comp claim will be easier to secure if you have the right paperwork ready for inspection. This includes filling out the right forms, making sure your employer knows what happened and what your injuries are, as well as providing suitable evidence of your injuries (for example, how they were caused and how much they are cost to treat). Evidence can be supplied in the form of: witness statements from passers-by, fellow workers, or your workplace supervisor; invoices from any medical center that you have attended for reasons related to your injury or illness; medical records from any physician or hospital staff that you have encountered. How an Attorney Can Help You Make a Successful Claim There are several reasons why you might choose to enlist the services of an experienced workers’ comp attorney. You may find that your claim is denied or the payment you expected is reduced unexpectedly. You may discover that your employer is either uninsured (which is illegal) or does not need to take up workers’ comp insurance due to the field. The attorney can assess your accident and subsequent injury or injuries and lay out the most suitable steps to follow in order to obtain compensation.
