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Electrocution Hazards on Atlanta Construction Sites: Who Is Liable?

By Grant Law Office on June 5, 2025

Construction work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. When electricity is involved, the risks multiply.

Construction workers and bystanders can suffer catastrophic harm due to poorly managed electrical systems, faulty power tools, or exposed wiring. In fact, electrocution is a major cause of construction fatalities.

There are several avenues of compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits that could be available for injured construction workers in Georgia. At Grant Law Office, we help workers and their families get the compensation they deserve when tragedy strikes on the job site.

Electrical Hazards on Georgia Construction Sites

Electrocution risks on construction sites come in many forms:

• Exposed or ungrounded wiring
• Poorly maintained generators or extension cords
• Defective or misused power tools
• Contact with overhead or underground power lines
• Improper lockout/tagout procedures on energized equipment

These dangers don’t just threaten electricians. Roofers, laborers, welders, HVAC technicians, painters, and bystanders are all at risk. The results of these incidents can be life-changing, ranging from severe burns to nerve damage, cardiac arrest, and long-term disability.

Who Can Be Liable for a Construction Electrocution Injury?

While workers’ compensation may provide some benefits, it often doesn’t account for pain and suffering, full wage loss, or future medical expenses. Fortunately, Georgia law allows for third-party lawsuits in many construction electrocution cases. And there are some of the parties who may be liable outside of the employer.

Subcontractors and Their Crews

Construction sites in Atlanta are often organized under a general contractor, with multiple subcontractors handling specialized tasks. When a subcontractor fails to properly train their crew, ignores electrical codes, or allows dangerous conditions to persist, they can be held responsible for any injuries that occur. This is known as subcontractor negligence.

For example, if an electrician improperly wires a panel box that later causes a fire or electrocutes another worker, that electrician’s employer (not the general contractor) could face liability.

General Contractors

The general contractor has a duty to oversee safety across the entire jobsite. If they fail to inspect for site safety hazards, ignore reports of dangerous wiring, or hire unqualified subcontractors, they could be liable, even if they weren’t directly responsible for the injury.

Georgia courts recognize that contractors must enforce OSHA standards and best practices. When they don’t, and someone is injured, legal consequences follow.

Property Owners or Developers

In some cases, the property owner or developer may have maintained control over certain safety aspects of the site or knowingly allowed hazardous conditions to continue. If they failed to warn workers of underground power lines or didn’t provide safe access to power sources, they may be partially responsible for the resulting injuries.

Equipment and Tool Manufacturers

A power tool injury lawsuit can be filed against the manufacturer if a defect in design, manufacturing, or a lack of warning contributed to the electrocution. For example, if an electric drill short circuits due to faulty insulation, and a worker is injured, the injured party may have a strong product liability claim.

Third-Party Service Providers

Sometimes, third-party electricians or maintenance crews enter a construction site to conduct installations or inspections. If their negligence directly causes an electrical injury, they may be liable even if they were only on-site temporarily.

Can You Recover Damages from an Employer for a Construction Electrocution Injury in Georgia?

Ordinarily, when a worker is hurt on the job, they are limited to workers’ compensation and cannot recover damages from their employer. But Georgia law includes exceptions when the employer’s behavior is especially reckless.

You may have a case against your employer if they:

• Knowingly exposed you to an unreasonably dangerous electrical hazard
• Ignored repeated warnings or previous injuries from the same condition
• Removed or disabled safety mechanisms from electrical equipment
• Directed you to work in an obviously unsafe environment without protection

In these cases, the jury may allow you to bypass the workers’ comp limitation and recover damages directly. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity, and permanent disability—damages that workers’ comp does not fully cover.

What About Non-Worker Injury Liability?

Construction zones can affect more than just employees. Pedestrians, delivery drivers, and other visitors may also be harmed by electrical injury on construction sites in Georgia. These non-worker injury liability cases are not subject to workers’ comp restrictions and can be handled like any personal injury claim.

For example, if an energized wire is left exposed near a public sidewalk or parking area and a passerby is electrocuted, the site supervisor, property owner, or utility contractor may be liable for failing to secure the area.

Steps to Take After an Electrocution Injury on a Jobsite

Whether you’re a construction worker or not, electrocution injuries must be taken seriously. Internal damage, burns, and neurological symptoms may not fully appear for days or weeks. Here’s what to do:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if symptoms seem minor, underlying cardiac or nerve injuries may not be visible.
2. Document the Scene and the Hazard: Take photos (or have someone do it for you), note any exposed wires, tools, or machinery, and collect contact information from witnesses.
3. Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor or site manager in writing. This creates a record, especially if third-party liability is involved.
4. Preserve the Equipment: If a tool was involved, do not repair or discard it. This could be key evidence in a power tool injury lawsuit.
5. Speak with an Experienced Atlanta Injury Attorney: An investigation into electrical injuries often requires access to contractors’ records, maintenance logs, and safety audits. A skilled legal team can uncover the truth and pursue every responsible party.

Let Grant Law Office Help You Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one has suffered a construction electrocution injury in Atlanta, you may have legal options beyond what you’ve been told. We’ll listen, investigate, and inform you about your rights for seeking the compensation you deserve.

Grant Law Office is a husband-and-wife legal team with over 60 years of combined experience, known for treating our clients with empathy, dedication, and personal attention.

Wayne Grant has been selected as one of The Best Lawyers in America for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers and is proud to be named among the top 5 percent of attorneys in Georgia by Super Lawyers.

Call (404) 995-3955 to schedule a free consultation with an Atlanta electrocution accident lawyer today.