Charlotte Utility Work Injury Lawyer

Charlotte Utility Work Injury Attorney

Charlotte, North Carolina, plays host to a large population of utility workers who ensure our city stays powered and connected. Every day, these honest, hard-working men and women risk their lives to ensure we can make our morning cup of coffee, turn on the local news, and enjoy the comfort of a hot shower. From repairing downed power lines along Vail Avenue to servicing gas lines in NoDa, injuries happen, and a Charlotte utility work injury lawyer is here to help.

At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, our work injury attorneys have been helping folks across North Carolina for decades. Utility workers are essential workers, and their jobs do not come without risks. Water mains in Myers Park can burst, and the high-voltage substations in West Charlotte are bound to need repairs. We understand how stressful it can be to suffer an injury while doing this kind of work and hope to do everything in our power to secure your compensation.

Common Causes of Injury Accidents for Utility Workers in Charlotte

Every 7 seconds in the country, a worker suffers an injury while on the job. Utility work can be especially risky and demanding. This work is often performed in new or unpredictable environments, and there are several hazards that workers can face every single day. Across the Charlotte area, from Ballantyne to Quail Hollow, the most frequent causes of injuries for utility workers include:

• Electrocution: Utility workers who repair or install electrical lines often find themselves vulnerable to electrocution. In fact, from 2011–2021, 1,201 workers died from injuries resulting from electrocution in America. Even with necessary safety gear and protocols, equipment may malfunction, or faulty wires can lead to severe electrical injuries.
• Falling from heights: Utility workers are often called upon to scale great heights in the form of ladders, poles, or elevated platforms. In North Carolina, around 18.4% of all preventable injuries occurred due to falls.
• Slips and falls: Charlotte is no stranger to severe weather, such as heavy rains, winds, and even ice. All of these conditions can lead to an individual suffering a slip and fall accident, which can lead to severe injuries and even death, no matter how careful they are trying to remain.
• Exposure to toxins: Utility workers in the gas industry may be exposed to gas leaks, while utility workers in a wastewater plant can come into contact with dangerous chemicals. Long-term exposure to these substances can lead to respiratory health issues and several different kinds of cancer.
• Accidents involving heavy machinery: Workers in the utility industry often have to work near or operate the heavy machinery themselves. This can include cranes, backhoes, and auger trucks. When these pieces of machinery are not properly maintained or improperly operated, machinery can cause fatal accidents.

Now What? Steps to Take Following a Utility Accident

You have been injured or had an accident while on the job as a utility worker — now what? Your injury might require immediate medical attention, and you should take yourself or call an ambulance to take you to the nearest hospital, such as Atrium Health University City on South Tryon Street. You will also want to report your injury to your employer within 30 days so that an official claim can be initiated. If you are injured in a work accident, take the following steps:

• File your official claim with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
• Visit a doctor and follow their treatment, medication, or therapy recommendations. Failing to do so could indicate you do not actually believe you are injured, which could cause your claim to become denied.
• Contact an experienced Utility Work Injury attorney in Charlotte who can guide you through the process of pursuing the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to for the injuries you have suffered.

FAQs About Charlotte, NC Utility Work Injury Laws

Q: What Are the Most Frequent Injuries for Utility Workers in Charlotte?

A: In Charlotte, utility workers can suffer a wide range of common injuries. These injuries include electrical shocks and chemical burns; injuries to the brain, spine, or head, which can result in paralysis or concussions, broken bones, and fractures; internal injuries such as organ damage, internal bleeding, or nerve damage; and exposure to toxic chemicals, which can result in repository issues and cancer.

Q: Can I File a Third-Party Liability Claim for a Utility Work Injury?

A: Yes, in certain cases, you might be able to file a third-party liability claim, alongside your claims for workers’ comp, if a third party caused or contributed to the accident that caused your injuries. Examples of third parties often involved in liability claims include the property owner, any negligent subcontractors, the manufacturers of faulty equipment, and vehicle operators.

Q: What Utility Workers Are at Higher Risk for Suffering an Injury on the Job?

A: Utility workers who are at higher risk for suffering an injury while on the job in Charlotte can include electrical line workers, utility foresters or tree trimmers, gas service techs, telecommunications workers, utility inspectors, water or wastewater treatment workers, substation technicians, renewable energy technicians, and those who install or repair meters.

Q: What Kind of Compensation Might I Be Entitled to Receive?

A: There are several different forms of compensation you might be able to receive when injured as a utility worker in Charlotte. The value of your claim will rest on certain factors, such as the severity of your injuries, what you were earning prior to your injury, and whether you will end up suffering any disabilities. Compensation can include medical expenses related to the injury, your reduced earning ability if you become disabled, and your lost wages.

Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler: Your Charlotte Utility Work Injury Lawyers

If you are a utility worker in Charlotte and have suffered an accident while on the job, the team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler is here to support you and fight for your rights to compensation under North Carolina law. Allow us to come alongside you and guide you through the entire process so that you can secure the compensation you need and deserve. Contact our offices today to learn more about our legal services and to schedule your free consultation.