New York Utility Worker Injury Attorneys

Injury Lawyers Represent New York Utility Workers Hurt on the Job

Utility workers are at serious risk of harm while on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has guidelines in place to help NYC utility workers avoid injuries. However, these standards are not always met by employers, and the consequences can be dire. And even when a utility worker does everything right, an accident can still result in painful injuries or lifelong disabilities.

Regardless of how the accident happened, the injured utility workers should also be covered under NY workers' compensation. But when an injury is caused by someone else's negligence, there are ways to hold them accountable for their actions. If you or a loved one is a utility worker who has been injured on the job in New York, call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. Our firm has won over $1 billion for clients — we can help you file a claim for compensation and go after any third party that was responsible for your injury.

For a free initial consultation with one of our experienced NYC utility worker injury attorneys, call us at (212) 986-7353 today.

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Who Are Considered Utility Workers in New York?

A utility worker is a professional who is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing essential services that facilitate modern living. This broad category includes electricians, line workers, gas workers, and telecommunications technicians.

Utility workers are responsible for keeping society running in many ways. Their work ensures the continuous supply of electricity, gas, water, and communication services. For example, most of us rely on electricity and gas power from the moment we wake up in the morning to when we go to bed at night. When we flush a toilet, we expect it to work properly. And when we turn on a tap, we expect clean running water coming through our pipes. All of these things function thanks to utility workers.

Utility workers encompass several specialized roles, each critical to maintaining essential services. For example, electricians focus on installing and maintaining electrical systems so homes and businesses have reliable power. Line workers, often seen working on power lines, handle the high-voltage transmission and distribution of electricity. Gas workers are responsible for installing and maintaining gas lines to ensure a safe and efficient gas supply to residential and commercial areas. Telecommunications technicians manage the infrastructure for communication networks, including telephone lines and internet services.

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Risks for Utility Workers and Associated Injuries

Though utility workers are incredibly important to society, the nature of their jobs puts them at risk for serious injuries and disabilities. Some of the most common risks to utility workers include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Among the most common accidents in any workplace, trips and falls are always around the corner. Since many utility workers have to work on power lines or in sewer tunnels, they face added dangers from these unpredictable environments.
• Falls from Heights: Utility workers are often on ladders, cranes, and other elevated areas to get the job done. A fall from such a height can be deadly.
• Electric Shocks: Any utility worker employed by an electric company must be careful when dealing with power lines and other electric currents. Utility workers in other fields must be wary of electric shocks while using machinery or working near power lines.
• Dust: Dust can include all kinds of harmful particulates, like toxic chemicals and natural elements, that can do serious damage to the lungs. Utility workers may be exposed to high levels of asbestos and other chemicals while in buildings. Inhalation of hazardous dust can cause terminal illnesses.
• Physical Stressors: The day-to-day tasks utility workers perform can put them at risk of an overuse injury. Without stretching and exercise routines, repeated standing, crouching, and bending while on the job can result in chronic pain.

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Common Causes of Utility Worker Injuries

The physical demands of utility work contribute significantly to the risk of accidents. Utility workers often engage in strenuous activities such as lifting heavy equipment, climbing poles, and operating machinery. These tasks require a combination of physical strength, endurance, and agility. Utility workers also endure long hours and demanding schedules often, which can lead to significant fatigue.

Environmental hazards also present significant risks to utility workers, who often perform their duties in a variety of challenging conditions. These hazards include extreme weather, such as thunderstorms, high winds, and icy conditions. These can make tasks like climbing poles or handling equipment particularly dangerous. Employers must equip utility workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and training to safely handle these environmental challenges. Regular safety briefings and updates on weather conditions can also help reduce risks.

Malfunctioning equipment is another major cause of utility worker accidents. Common causes of equipment failure include poor maintenance, manufacturing defects, and improper use. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to ensuring that all equipment functions correctly. Employers must prioritize the procurement of high-quality tools and enforce strict maintenance schedules.

Insufficient training can lead to improper handling of equipment, misunderstandings of safety protocols, and an increased risk of accidents. Ongoing education is equally important, as it ensures that workers stay updated on the latest safety standards, technological advancements, and industry best practices.

Injuries frequently suffered by utility workers include:

• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Lung and bronchial injuries
• Damage to sensory organs (eyes, ears, etc.)
• Chronic illnesses
• Deep lacerations

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Compensation in New York for Injured Utility Workers

Workers' compensation benefits are designed to provide financial and medical support to utility workers injured on the job. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages during recovery. In cases of severe injuries that lead to permanent disability, workers' compensation may also include long-term disability payments.

In addition to workers' compensation, utility workers who are injured on the job may be able to pursue personal injury claims against negligent third parties. This can include property owners, private contractors, equipment vendors, or manufacturers of defective equipment. Personal injury claims require proving that the third party's negligence directly caused the injury — unlike workers' compensation, which is a no-fault system.

A third-party liability claim or lawsuit for utility worker injuries can include the following types of compensation:

• Medical expenses
• Reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Medical devices
• Disfigurement
• Lost wages
• Reduced quality of life
• In-home nursing care

A skilled utility worker injury attorney can gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent the injured worker's best interests in court if necessary.

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Our Experienced Injured Utility Worker Lawyers in New York Can Help

The injuries that utility workers suffer can present life-long complications for the worker and his or her family. But you don't have to suffer in silence. If someone else's negligence caused the injury, that person or company may be held liable — and utility accidents are covered by workers' compensation in New York.

After any type of workplace injury, call Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at (212) 986-7353. One of our top NYC workers’ comp attorneys can talk about your options for receiving compensation at no initial charge.

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Additional Information

• Who’s There to Help Injured NYC Utility Workers?
• Representing Utility Workers Injured on the Job