Chicago Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Electrical Accident Victims in Illinois

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago electrocution accident lawyer team handles cases involving construction sites, utility work, and unsafe electrical systems, securing fair compensation for clients injured by preventable hazards. Whether you’ve suffered severe electrical burns, nerve damage, or lost a loved one, we’re here to protect your rights and hold negligent parties accountable.

Electrical Accident Settlements & Verdicts Recovered by Our Chicago Law Firm

• $10,500,000 – Electrical Burns from Aerial Lift ContactDavid, a utility worker on Chicago’s South Side, suffered severe burns when the aerial lift he was operating made contact with an overhead power line. We proved the line should have been de‑energized and that safety protocols were ignored, leading to a life‑altering injury.
• $7,200,000 – Electrician Fall During Cable InstallationMarco, an experienced electrician, fell from a ladder while installing cable in a West Loop warehouse project. The fall occurred after he received an electric shock from exposed wiring, causing him to lose his balance. Our investigation showed multiple contractors failed to follow OSHA electrical safety standards.
• $3,045,000 – Electrical Shock from Frayed Extension CordLinda, a chemical plant manager in the Joliet area, was injured when she received an electrical shock from a frayed extension cord in her temporary office. We demonstrated that the company failed to maintain safe equipment and violated OSHA’s lockout/tagout requirements.

What Makes Us the Best Electrocution Accident Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve built our reputation on results. For nearly 25 years, our Chicago‑based electrocution accident lawyers have recovered more than $490 million in verdicts and settlements for injury victims, including those harmed by dangerous electrical systems and negligent contractors. Our attorneys are proud members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the American Association for Justice, and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Electrical Accidents in Chicago?

In our work as electrocution accident lawyers, we’ve handled cases for clients injured in a variety of settings—not just job sites. Some of the most common causes we see include:

• Contact with energized lines 
• Lack of proper PPE or safeguards 
• Damaged extension cords, appliances, or tools 
• Inadequate maintenance of electrical systems 
• Failure to follow safety protocols

What Are the Most Common Electrical Injuries?

In our experience representing electric shock injury victims across Chicago and Illinois, these are the injuries we see most often:

• Severe electrical burns that can damage skin, muscles, and internal organs
• Nerve damage and neuropathy leading to chronic pain, weakness, or loss of sensation
• Cardiac arrest or dangerous heart arrhythmias caused by electrical current
• Brain injuries from oxygen deprivation during or after the incident
• Muscle damage and rhabdomyolysis from the intense heat and force of an electrical shock
• Hearing or vision loss from arc blasts or explosions
• Wrongful death in the most tragic cases

Electrical injuries require ongoing medical treatment, resulting in significant medical expenses.

What Damages Can Electrocution Victims Recover in Illinois?

When representing electrocution accident victims in Illinois, our personal injury attorneys look at every avenue for recovery.

For employees injured on the job, workers’ compensation benefits may include:

• Medical bills for all reasonable and necessary treatment, including hospital care, surgeries, and rehabilitation
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments if you cannot work at all during recovery
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits if you can work but with reduced hours or wages
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits for lasting impairments
• Vocational rehabilitation to retrain for a different line of work
• Death benefits for surviving family members in the event of a fatal electrocution

When a third party, such as a contractor, power company, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to the accident, you may also be entitled to:

• Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional toll of the injuries
• Full lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in normal activities
• Punitive damages for egregious safety violations
• Wrongful death damages for the loss of a loved one

Our law firm works to identify all liable parties so we can pursue the maximum compensation available, ensuring no source of recovery is left unexplored.

What Is the Average Electrocution Injury Payout in Illinois?

Based on data by Law.com, the median recovery for electrocution accident cases is $3,225,000, while the average is $4,441,666. The wide range—spanning from $1,150,000 to $8,950,000—shows how much case value can vary depending on the facts.

Some of the main factors influencing an electrocution injury payout include:

• Severity of the injuries sustained, such as catastrophic injuries, cardiac arrest, or permanent nerve damage
• Ability to return to work and whether the injury caused long-term or permanent disability
• Whether multiple defendants can be held liable
• The strength of the evidence showing negligence or violations of safety standards
• The skill of the legal representation in presenting expert testimony and negotiating with insurers

Example Electrocution Accident Settlements in Cook County

$8,950,000 – Electrical Arc and Explosion on Fire Escape

A 17‑year‑old student suffered third‑degree burns over more than half of his body after tripping on a Chicago apartment fire escape and coming into close proximity to a Commonwealth Edison power line. The electrical arc and explosion led to multiple surgeries and permanent disfigurement. The case established failures to maintain safe clearance from the line and inadequate protective barriers.

$3,225,000 – Fatal Electrocution During Bridge Painting

A painter was killed along with a co‑worker when their aerial lift contacted high‑voltage overhead power lines during a bridge painting project. The family pursued wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses. The case revealed that the lines were not de‑energized and adequate warnings were not provided.

$1,150,000 – Construction Worker Electrocuted by Power Line

An injured construction worker died after making contact with a 12,000‑volt power line while standing on a ladder. The investigation uncovered years of unsafe line placement, multiple missed opportunities to correct the hazard, and violations of OSHA’s 10‑foot clearance rule.

Why You Need a Chicago Electrocution Lawyer

Electrocution accident cases are rarely straightforward and often involve multiple defendants. They require detailed investigations, including reviewing OSHA reports, consulting electrical safety experts, and obtaining power company maintenance and inspection records. On large projects like CTA Red Line extensions, Loop high‑rise construction, and O’Hare modernization work, the paper trail can be extensive, and deadlines for preserving evidence are short.

An experienced electrocution accident lawyer will know how to:

• Identify all potentially liable parties and the legal theories that apply
• Secure and analyze electrical schematics, utility records, and safety inspection logs
• Work with medical experts to link electrical injuries to the incident
• Navigate both workers’ compensation claims and third‑party lawsuits when applicable

How Common Are Electric Shock Accidents in Chicago?

Nationally, data from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) shows that contact with electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, with an average of 150 electrical fatalities each year. Roughly 74% of these deaths occur in non-electrical occupations, and 5.6% of all workplace fatalities are caused by contact with electricity.

The most common causes of fatal electrical injuries include:

• Overhead power line contact (48.2%)
• Unexpected contact with electricity (19.3%)
• Contact with nearby energized equipment (12.7%)
• Working on energized parts (4.1%)
• Ground faults (4.0%)

Ten occupations account for over 58% of workplace electrical accident fatalities, with the most affected being:

1. Electricians
2. Laborers (non-construction)
3. Construction laborers
4. Electrical power installers and repairers
5. Tree trimmers
6. Electricians’ apprentices
7. HVAC mechanics
8. Roofers
9. Heavy truck drivers
10. Painters in construction or maintenance

In Illinois, per IDPH’s occupational fatality data for 2021, 176 workplace deaths were recorded, with electrical and electronic equipment mechanics, installers, and repairers accounting for 4 of them.

OSHA records show that from January 2024 through July 2026, there have been 9 electrocution fatalities investigated in the Chicago region, including incidents involving arc flashes, fiber installation, raising vacuum truck booms, lighting installation, and downed electrical lines.

Where Do Electrocution Accidents Happen Most Often in Illinois?

Electrocution incidents can occur in any environment where people come into contact with unsafe electrical currents. Some of the most common locations include:

• Downtown Chicago high-rise construction sites in the Loop and West Loop, where crews work near energized lines and complex systems.
• Industrial zones such as Pullman and South Deering, where heavy machinery and high-voltage systems are common.
• Major infrastructure projects like the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction and the CTA Red Line Extension, involving underground cabling and transit power systems.
• Agricultural areas in central and southern Illinois, where equipment may come into contact with overhead power lines during harvesting or irrigation.
• Suburban commercial developments in Schaumburg, Naperville, and Aurora, including shopping centers and office parks with aging or poorly maintained electrical systems.
• Residential buildings and public spaces, where faulty wiring, damaged extension cords, and improperly maintained electrical panels can cause serious injuries.

What Laws Govern Electrocution Accident Cases in Illinois?

Electrocution accident cases in Illinois are governed by a combination of state laws, municipal codes, and federal safety standards. The applicable laws depend on whether the injured person was working at the time of the accident, the location of the incident, and who is at fault.

For employees injured on the job, the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/) provides benefits such as medical care, wage replacement, disability payments, and death benefits.

Third-party lawsuits, such as those against contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, are covered under Illinois personal injury laws and the Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/). These allow claims for pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages in certain cases.

In Chicago, the municipal code includes requirements for safe maintenance and permits for electrical work. For example, Chicago Municipal Code § 14E adopts the National Electrical Code, setting minimum safety standards for installations.

OSHA Electrical Standards

Federal OSHA regulations set out electrical safety requirements, including:

• 29 CFR 1910.303 – General requirements for electrical installations
• 29 CFR 1910.333 – Selection and use of work practices (including de‑energizing equipment)
• 29 CFR 1926.416 – Protecting workers from from contact with electrical hazards
• 29 CFR 1910.269 – Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution (covering work on or near energized power lines)
• 29 CFR 1910.137 – Electrical protective equipment (requirements for insulating gloves, sleeves, blankets, and other PPE)

These laws and standards work together to establish the duty of care owed by employers, contractors, and property owners, and they provide a framework for proving negligence in an electrocution case.

How Long Do Electrocution Injury Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Per 735 ILCS 5/13-202, if you are filing a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party, such as a property owner, contractor, or equipment manufacturer, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file in court.

Under 740 ILCS 180/, if an electrocution results in death, surviving family members have two years from the date of death to bring a wrongful death claim.

Employees injured on the job have three years from the date of the injury or two years from the last payment of workers’ compensation benefits—whichever is later—to file a claim with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Who Is Liable for Electrocution Accidents in Chicago?

Electrocution accidents in Chicago often involve multiple parties, each with a legal duty to maintain safe conditions and prevent contact with high-voltage electrical currents. Liability depends on where and how the accident occurred, but potential defendants can include:

• Employers – Responsible for providing a safe work environment and required safety equipment under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act.
• Electrical contractors – Liable if their work is performed improperly or in violation of safety standards.
• General contractors – Must coordinate jobsite safety and ensure subcontractors follow proper electrical safety protocols.
• Utility companies – Accountable when power lines are improperly maintained, placed too close to work areas, or left energized without proper warnings.
• Property owners or landlords – Liable for unsafe systems, exposed wiring, or failure to repair known hazards.
• Equipment and tool manufacturers – Responsible for injuries caused by defective electrical equipment, such as power tools or extension cords.

Common Defenses in Chicago Electrocution Cases

In electrocution accident litigation, it’s common for defendants to try to shift blame to the injured person. Some of the most frequent defenses include:

• Arguing the injured person ignored established safety steps for de‑energizing equipment.
• Claiming insulated gloves, mats, or other protective gear were provided but not worn.
• Suggesting lightning, high winds, or other sudden conditions caused the accident.
• Alleging the victim entered an area clearly marked as dangerous.

When these defenses come up, we review training records to show whether proper instruction was ever given, obtain OSHA citations that document safety violations, and work with electrical safety experts to prove the hazard should have been addressed, regardless of weather, signage, or any other excuse.

How to Strengthen Your Electrocution Accident Case in Illinois

Over the years, we’ve found that taking these steps makes a big difference in proving fault and maximizing compensation.

1. Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first, and prompt care creates clear medical records linking your injuries to the incident.
2. Report the injury in writing – Whether to an employer, property manager, or power company, having a written report helps document what happened and when.
3. Document the scene – Photos, videos, and notes about conditions can be invaluable evidence later.
4. Preserve faulty equipment or tools – Faulty cords, tools, or protective gear can be critical in proving product defects or unsafe conditions.
5. Contact us before speaking with insurers – Insurance adjusters often look for statements they can use against you. We make sure your rights are protected from the start.

By following these steps and letting us handle the investigation, you give us the best chance to prove negligence, identify every liable party, and pursue fair compensation under Illinois law.

How Our Chicago Electrocution Accident Attorneys Can Help

When you hire us after an electrocution accident, we take on every part of your case so you can focus on recovery. Here’s how we can help:

• Investigate OSHA violations and utility safety breaches – We obtain inspection records, maintenance logs, and accident reports to identify every safety failure.
• Gather expert testimony – We work with electrical engineers, safety consultants, and medical specialists who can explain exactly how the accident happened and the full extent of your injuries.
• Handle workers’ compensation claims and appeals – We make sure you receive every benefit available if you were injured on the job.
• Pursue third‑party lawsuits – If a contractor, property owner, utility company, or equipment manufacturer contributed to your accident, we hold them accountable in civil court.
• Negotiate and litigate for maximum compensation – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which helps us secure stronger settlements.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of an electrocution injury?

Symptoms can range from visible burns to hidden internal injuries. Many people experience muscle pain, tingling or numbness, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and breathing problems.

What are the long-term effects of electrocution?

Electrocution can cause permanent injuries to the human body such as nerve damage, chronic pain, mobility issues, memory loss, and heart or organ complications.

Can I sue for being electrocuted?

Yes, you can sue for electrocution accidents caused by negligence, whether by a contractor, property owner, utility company, or manufacturer.

How do I know I have a case?

A valid claim generally requires proving four things: a duty of care existed, that duty was breached, the breach caused your injuries, and you suffered damages as a result.

Can I file a workers’ compensation and personal injury claim at once?

Yes. If someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you can file a personal injury claim in addition to workers’ comp.

How much does a Chicago electrocution accident lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

What if a power company’s negligence caused my injury?

We can pursue claims against utility companies by gathering utility maintenance records, consulting electrical safety experts, and showing how their actions—or lack of action—caused the accident.

Book a Free Initial Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in an electrocution accident, you don’t have to face the legal process alone. At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve handled complex electrical injury cases across Chicago and throughout Illinois, and we know how to get results.

Call our Chicago office today at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients statewide, and we’re ready to start fighting for the compensation you deserve.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.