Are Electrical Burns Treated Differently Under Illinois Law?
An electrical burn can change a life in an instant. Beyond the visible injuries, electrical accidents often cause hidden internal damage that can leave workers facing months, or even years, of medical treatment and recovery. Understanding how Illinois law addresses these injuries can help protect your rights after a workplace accident.
Are Electrical Burns Covered by Illinois Workers' Compensation?
Yes. If an electrical injury occurs on the job, it is generally covered under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, regardless of who caused the accident.
Workers' compensation may provide benefits for:
- Medical treatment
- Lost wages while you're unable to work
- Permanent disability benefits, when applicable
- Vocational rehabilitation, in some cases
Why Are Electrical Burns Different From Other Workplace Injuries?
Electrical burns often cause damage that isn't immediately visible. Unlike traditional burns, electrical currents travel through the body, potentially causing serious internal injuries that may not appear on the skin.
These injuries can include:
- Severe burns and tissue damage
- Nerve damage
- Cardiac complications
- Organ damage
- Amputations or permanent disability
Because these injuries can be complex, documenting the full extent of the damage is critical.
Can You File a Lawsuit in Addition to Workers' Compensation?
Sometimes. While workers' compensation typically prevents lawsuits against your employer, you may have a separate third-party claim if someone else's negligence contributed to the accident.
Potential third parties may include:
- Utility companies
- Property owners
- General contractors
- Equipment manufacturers
A third-party claim may allow recovery for damages not available through workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering.
What Causes Most Workplace Electrical Injuries?
Many electrical injuries are preventable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), common causes include:
- Contact with power lines
- Defective, misused or improperly maintained equipment
- Lack of ground-fault protection
- Improper continuous path to ground of electrical equipment
- Misuse of extension cords or electrical equipment
What Should You Do If You’ve Experienced an Electrical Injury at Work?
First, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries appear minor. Internal damage may not be obvious right away. Then, report the incident to your employer and speak with an experienced Illinois workers' compensation attorney to understand your options.
At Black & Jones, we’ve spent decades helping injured workers throughout northern Illinois fight for the benefits they deserve. Contact us today at (815) 967-9000 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.