Power lines are extremely dangerous and present a clear danger to people who may unknowingly come across them in their vehicles or on foot.

If you’ve suffered injuries caused by a downed or exposed power line, you may be unsure who should be held accountable. Holding the responsible party accountable often depends on the circumstances involved in the accident. However, in most instances, the utility company responsible for the power line will be liable for any injuries or deaths that may have occurred, especially if it can be demonstrated that they failed to properly maintain the power line and keep the public safe.

A knowledgeable Florida personal injury attorney can review the facts of your case and determine what legal options may be available to you.

What Should I Do if I Encounter a Downed Power Line?

To help ensure your wellbeing and the safety of others, there are certain precautions to keep in mind if you encounter a downed or exposed power line. They include:

  • Always assume that a downed power line is live, even if it does not give any indication of being active.
  • Do not attempt to go near the power line for any reason. When a live electrical line makes contact with the ground, electricity can spread up to 35 feet from the downed line.
  • Never attempt to drive over the downed line or use another object to touch it or move it out of the way.
  • Avoid any standing water that may be in the immediate vicinity of the downed line (water conducts electricity).
  • Call 911 to report the downed power line.

What Types of Injuries Can Be Caused by a Downed or Exposed Power Line?

Typically, injuries caused by a downed or exposed power line are significant or even deadly. Those who experience an encounter with a downed or exposed power line may sustain critical injuries, including:

  • Temporary or permanent muscle, nerve, and tissue damage from electrical current passing through the body.
  • Brain damage from the high levels of electrical current the body has absorbed.
  • Various degrees of thermal burns from contact with high voltage electricity.
  • Cardiac arrest.

Sadly, many individuals also die as a result of contact with downed power lines. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one as the result of a downed power line, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney immediately who can help you get the justice you deserve.

Can I Recover Medical Expenses After Being Injured By a Downed Power Line?

If you’ve been injured after coming into contact with a downed or exposed power line, you most likely will require a great deal of medical treatment and it may take a long time to recover. In fact, recovering from an electrical accident can take months or even years, and treatment can quickly become cost-prohibitive. A qualified personal injury lawyer, like the attorneys at RTRLAW, can help you file a claim to recover economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to the out-of-pocket expenses an injury victim or their family has had to pay after being injured. Some of the most common economic damages include:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Non-economic damages are granted to compensate the victim for intangible losses and often include:
  • Past and future pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of companionship
  • Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Every personal injury case is unique; however, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and determine what amount and types of damages may be applicable.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help After a Downed or Exposed Power Line Accident?

A well-trained personal injury attorney will assess the case and determine who should be held accountable. Many people don’t like the idea of having to file a lawsuit. Unfortunately, in many cases, the only way to hold the responsible parties accountable is to file a claim for financial compensation. Insurance companies are more concerned for their bottom line than compensating victims. That’s where RTRLAW comes in. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced at making insurance companies pay so our clients can get the justice they deserve for their injuries.

If you’ve experienced injuries or the death of a loved one from a downed or exposed power line, hire a qualified injury attorney who will act as your legal advocate and pursue the compensation you need to cover medical bills, necessary ongoing treatments, or funeral and burial expenses.

Contact RTRLAW to schedule an appointment with an experienced attorney to discuss your case and find out what legal options may be available.