Dothan Power Lineman Injury Attorney

If you were injured or a loved one was killed while working as a power lineman in Alabama, it is critical that you consult with an experienced lawyer to fully understand your rights and options.

Electric companies in Alabama have the resources to afford high-powered teams of attorneys whose job is to reduce their losses from lineman accidents. This is why you need a strong advocate on your side to stand up for your rights and fight for maximum compensation.

The skilled and compassionate lineman injury attorneys at Gartlan Injury Law are prepared to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Call now to schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.

What Are the Common Hazards that Power Linemen Face in Alabama?

Some of the most common hazards power linemen in Alabama face on the job include:

• Working at dangerous heights – Power linemen have to work in high places, such as the top of a power pole or a raised bucket truck. If workers do not have a stable platform when they are elevated, they become susceptible to falls that can result in serious injuries or even death.
• Not using protective equipment – Using the proper protective equipment is extremely important when working with high-voltage power lines. Employers must ensure that power line workers are equipped with the right type of burn-resistant clothing, gloves, and other protective equipment that will help keep them safe.
• Working in confined areas – Power linemen frequently need to work in a confined space when they are repairing a power line. Working in a tight space puts the lineman at risk of danger, such as becoming trapped if there is an electrical fire.
• Environmental stress – Power linemen are on the job for long hours and through dangerous weather conditions. Linemen are often responsible for maintaining power during severe weather. Hazards include heat stroke, dehydration, frostbite, lightning strikes, and hypothermia.
• Welding accidents – Electrical linemen weld together parts of the power line. Welding accidents can cause severe cuts, bruises, abrasions, burns, and other injuries.
• Working long hours – When severe weather hits and there are mass outages, power linemen may end up working 70 or more hours a week. Working long hours exposes linemen to a variety of injuries due to stress and other factors.

What Types of Injuries Can an Alabama Power Lineman Suffer?

Common injuries power linemen suffer include:

• Electrical burns
• Sprains, strains, and muscle tears
• Severe lacerations
• Internal injuries
• Nerve damage
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Broken bones
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Loss of hearing
• Seizures

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Power Lineman’s Accident?

The party or parties that can be held responsible depends on the facts and circumstances of the particular accident. No two power lineman accidents are exactly alike. It’s critical that the accident be promptly investigated to determine the possible causes and at-fault parties.

Potentially liable parties for a power lineman accident may include:

• Manufacturers – The trucks and equipment used by power linemen should be designed to be as safe as possible. An error in the manufacturing process could be responsible for the lack of properly functioning safety features.
• Employers – Employers may be held liable when they don’t enforce safety procedures, and when they require employees to continue using equipment with the knowledge that it is unsafe and that injury from its use is likely.
• Truck owners – The bucket trucks used by power linemen require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. Furthermore, workers must be trained in the proper use of all equipment.

In most power lineman accident cases, workers’ compensation will pay benefits. Workers’ compensation is insurance that your employer is required to carry for on-the-job injuries. This covers medical care, lost wages, death benefits, and lump-sum settlements.

You can file a workers’ compensation claim even if you were at fault in the accident. However, you cannot sue your utility company employer under most circumstances if you were an employee of the company. However, if you worked as an independent contractor for another company, it might be possible to bring a claim if the company was negligent in causing the accident.

You might have an additional means of recovery if a defective piece of equipment was to blame for your accident. By filing a third-party lawsuit against a manufacturer, you may be able to pursue additional damages not available with workers’ comp, such as mental anguish and pain and suffering. The Dothan power lineman injury lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law can assess your case and explain all your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries.

With a personal injury or defective product claim, the state of Alabama has a Statute of Limitations on how long you have to bring that lawsuit. The statute sets a time limit of two years. If you do not bring your lawsuit to court before those two years expire, you will have forfeited your opportunity to do so.

What Evidence Needs to Be Gathered for This Type of Case?

Some examples of the types of evidence that could be used to help prove your power lineman injury claim include:

• Photos of the accident scene and your injuries
• Video footage, if applicable
• Maintenance reports of equipment involved in the accident
• Hazards
• Eyewitness accounts
• Time reports that show you were clocked in at the time of the accident
• Employment records
• Documentation from your doctor
• Medical bills
• Accident reports

What Precautions Can Alabama Power Linemen Take to Avoid Injury?

The following are some safety tips to help avoid a power lineman injury:

• Remain alert. When working on a power line, even a small mistake can lead to an accident. Move mindfully and be aware of your surroundings.
• Use tools appropriately. Always practice proper tool safety. Don’t use a tool you are unfamiliar with.
• Wear proper safety equipment. In the event of an accident, your gloves, shoes, clothing, and helmet can provide another layer of protection.
• Work in teams. Performing electrical work by yourself is never recommended. It’s important to work with a team where there is familiarity among the members to ensure safety and communication.
• Slow down. Accidents often occur when workers are rushing. Remember to work at a reasonable pace and use proper techniques.

Contact a Power Lineman Injury Lawyer in Dothan Today

If you have been seriously injured while working as a power lineman, or if a loved one has died of their injuries, contact the workplace injury lawyers at Gartlan Injury Law to learn what rights you may have. We will guide you through the Alabama workers’ compensation process and discuss whether your case may be eligible for compensation through a third-party lawsuit.

Call us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our lawyers.

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