QUESTION

Can I sue due to electrical shock while at work?

Asked on Dec 31st, 2014 on Labor and Employment - West Virginia
More details to this question:
I am a CNA at a long term care facility. I had finished giving a shower to one of the residents. We were getting ready to leave the shower room and I went to turn off the heater, at which time I was shocked. A report was made and I was sent to the Dr. I experienced numbness and tingling in the arm and hearing loss in my ear! The EMG came back with negative results however there is damage to my cochlea that cannot be repaired. I still experience pain daily in my arm and constant pain in my ear. My work has informed me that when the electrician came to inspect the heater they found that it was not grounded. This bathroom was remodeled in the last 2 years! From what little I know about electricity all outlet/fixtures must be a GFCI or ground in some way. Please help!
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1 ANSWER

Insurance Coverage Attorney serving Morgantown, WV
3 Awards
Yes, you may sue for your injuries caused by the faulty wiring of the heater outlet. There are several electrical code issues that implicate the electrician and even builder. It is more difficult to sue your employer- you must prove that they knew about the dangers and ignored them. You should speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer about your claim as soon as possible to ensure that you do not forfeit your legal rights.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2015 at 2:32 AM

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