Can You Sue If You Were Electrocuted at Work in Miami?

Many employees in high-risk jobs may overlook the everyday hazards that come with their work. Yet accidents can happen without warning. If you suffered an electrocution injury while working in Miami, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding your legal rights is crucial, especially if a defective product or another party’s negligence played a role in your injury. Contact Payer Law at our Miami office to schedule a free consultation with an experienced electrocution accident attorney.

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Reviewed by: James D. Payer

Last Updated: September 5, 2025

How Do Electrocution Accidents Happen in Miami?

If you’re working with electricity in Miami or South Florida, there’s a significant risk that other cities in the state may not face due to the dense electrical systems, heavy storms, tropical storm damage, and ongoing construction. In 2021 and 2022, 3,260 non-fatal electrical injuries involving days away from work were reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Miami employees can face electrical accidents in cases of:

Workplace accidents: If you’re an electrician, contractor, or work with electricity, you risk encountering faulty equipment or ground-faults, which can cause electrocutions, electrical burns, or death.
Defective products: If you work in construction, some power tools or other electrical equipment may malfunction, be misused, or overload power cords, causing electrocutions.
Hazardous property conditions: If a property has faulty wiring, defective equipment, or poor maintenance, workers could face the risk of electrocution.
Utility accidents: If you’re a construction or utility worker, you could be injured by downed power lines, contact with them, or improper installation or maintenance.
Palm tree trimming: Miami-Dade tree trimmers and grounds maintenance workers risk being near power lines while trimming trees, which they could accidentally cut.

These accidents can lead to serious injuries and consequences for workers, but many are preventable by following proper safety procedures.

Who is Most At Risk of Being Injured in an Electrocution Accident

Some jobs and careers can expose workers to a greater risk of injury from an electrocution accident, especially with Miami’s frequent storms and aging infrastructure. Some of these positions can include:

Electricians
Power line installers and repairers
Telecom line installers
Cable and internet service technicians
HVAC technicians
Elevator installers and repairers
Construction workers and laborers
Roofers, especially during storm damage repairs
Tree trimmers
Carpenters
Contractors and subcontractors
Industrial machinery operators
Port of Miami dockworkers handling powered equipment
Maintenance crews in hotels, resorts, and public buildings

Top Causes of Electrocution Accidents in Miami

Electricity is a serious workplace hazard and can be dangerous for any employee. Many workers don’t realize the electrical dangers in their work environment, increasing their risk of electrocution. Some of the most common causes of electrocution accidents in Miami include:

Contact with overhead or buried power lines
Failure to de-energize equipment before repairs
Inadequate grounding of electrical systems
Damaged or defective cords, outlets, or wiring
Wet or humid conditions that increase shock risk
Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) violations and safety lapses

What Happens When You Get Electrocuted?

If you were electrocuted while working, you could be left hurt or worse. Electrocution injuries can cause severe, life-changing damage. Some of these injuries include:

Electrical burns (skin and tissue damage)
Internal organ and nerve damage
Heart rhythm problems or cardiac arrest
Breathing difficulties or respiratory arrest
Muscle spasms, fractures, or dislocations
Brain injury, seizures, or memory loss
Vision or hearing loss
Secondary injuries from falls or being thrown
Death

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Electrocution Accident in Miami?

Electrocution injuries often result from unsafe workplaces, hazardous properties, defective products, or other safety violations. It can be difficult to determine alone where responsibility lies for your accident, especially while trying to recover from your injuries. Payer Law can guide you through the legal process by investigating your accident, determining who is responsible, and building a strong case to pursue the maximum compensation available. Some potential responsible or liable parties involved in your electrical accident may be:

Property owners and landlords
Contractors and subcontractors
Equipment or product manufacturers
Utility companies
Employers, in rare cases where workers’ compensation immunity does not apply

According to OSHA standards, all industries must adhere to specific electrical safety requirements for both general and maritime workplaces. Employees are required to have electrical protective equipment, like rubber-insulated gloves and sleeves. OSHA outlines the procedures for operating and maintaining electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment so workplace accidents can be avoided as much as possible. Florida is under federal OSHA jurisdiction, which covers most private sector workers in the state but not state and local government workers.

Damages You May Be Able To Recover

If you were electrocuted on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. In some situations, you may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party. Through a lawsuit, you could pursue damages for:

Medical expenses related to the accident and future care
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Disability or disfigurement
Vocational rehabilitation
Wrongful death damages for families
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

How James D. Payer Helped a Miami Electrician After Being Severely Injured in an Electrocution Accident at Work

When Jeffrey Berry was burned and lost his earring after being electrocuted by a 4,000-amp switchgear while inspecting it, following 30 years as a service electrician, he decided to seek legal help. He first went with another big-name firm, but experienced only delays in his case.

“Hiring James was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I had felt like I lost everything, but thanks to James, I’m now financially stable and able to move forward,” Jeffery said. “I couldn’t be more satisfied with where I am now compared to how things looked in the beginning.”

Our attorney, James D. Payer, successfully helped Jeffrey secure compensation for his medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, and wage losses.

“I would absolutely recommend Mr. Payer to anyone dealing with a workers’ compensation situation,” Jeffery said.

Injured in an Electrocution Accident in Miami? Contact Payer Law Today

Our team at Payer Law is available 24/7 to discuss your case and will work tirelessly to secure life-changing compensation for you. We have over 30 years of combined experience handling cases across Florida, securing over $100 million for injured victims who trusted our firm. You won’t face any legal fees unless we win your case, which is our promise to you.

If you were hurt in an electrocution accident at work in Miami or anywhere in South Florida, contact Payer Law or call 305-363-7099 today to understand your legal rights and pursue a fair settlement.

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