San Bernardino Utility Worker Accidents Lawyer

Utility workers in San Bernardino provide a vital service to our community, but that work also comes with its dangers. From maintaining power and gas lines to repairing water systems and communication networks, accidents can happen at any time, resulting in life-changing injuries. When these incidents occur, employees can face a whole host of issues as well as an uncertain future.

To protect workers in this situation, state law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Working with a San Bernardino utility worker accidents lawyer can help employees understand how this system can provide them with the necessary benefits to get back on track.

Contact our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free consultation.

The Everyday Risks of Utility Work

Utility workers often face unpredictable and high-risk settings, unlike many other work environments. They may repair power lines during storms or operate heavy equipment near busy roadways. These conditions create dangers that could escalate quickly, even with proper training and safety procedures in place.

In San Bernardino, utility workers are often performing maintenance or emergency repairs to in-use infrastructure. Cal/OSHA has developed specific safety standards for utility workers to keep these hazards to a minimum. When these safeguards are not followed, violations may not only put workers at risk but also strengthen claims for compensation if an accident occurs.

Common Injuries Found in Utility Work

Because of the conditions utility workers face, the injuries they suffer are often severe and complex. Environments can include extreme heights, live wires, and tight working spaces, to name a few. When something goes wrong under these potentially volatile conditions, the consequences can be devastating and far-reaching.

Some of the most common injuries from this line of work can include:

Electrical burns and electrocution injuries
Fractures from falls or falling objects
Injuries caused by heavy machinery or equipment
Respiratory damage from gas leaks or toxic exposure
Weather-related illnesses such as heat stress or hypothermia
Traumatic brain injuries from slips, trips, or falling debris

Injuries such as these and many others often require specialized care and possibly extended recovery time. Employers are obligated to provide medical treatment for workplace injuries such as these (Labor Code § 4600), and workers may also qualify for temporary or permanent disability payments if the injuries prevent them from working (Labor Code §§ 4653, 4658).

What Remedies Are Available?

As stated above, workers’ compensation benefits can help provide medical care or wage replacement when a utility worker is injured in their line of work. Typically, this is the only recourse available to injured employees, but in some cases, additional claims can be brought.

If a defective product contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be held responsible under California product liability law (Civil Code § 1714). Similarly, liability may be found where a negligent third party (such as a contractor or subcontractor) played a role in the circumstances leading up to the injury.

Often, utility employees are working on government-owned projects, bringing public entities into the mix. In these cases, it is extra important to stay on top of deadlines, as a Government Claim must typically be filed within six months of the incident (Gov. Code 911.2).

Moving Forward After a Utility Accident

The work of utility employees is far-reaching and directly supports the community. When accidents harm these workers, essential services are disrupted in addition to the employee’s well-being. California’s workers’ compensation system exists to protect and provide benefits to utility workers who sustain injuries in the line of work that San Bernardino relies on.

Speak With a San Bernardino Utility Worker Accident Attorney Today

Recovering from an injury in this field can be overwhelming and should not be faced alone. Speaking with a San Bernardino utility worker accidents lawyer may ease the decision-making process and provide guidance about benefits and potential claims. By considering these options, workers can find a path towards stability.