What is an electrical injury at work?
An electrical injury at work occurs when an employee comes into contact with an electrical current that causes injury, disrupts normal bodily functions, or results in tissue damage.
The severity of an electrical injury at work depends on factors such as the voltage involved, the duration of contact, the pathway of the current through the body, and the individual’s overall health.
Most cases of electrical injury at work occur through contact with faulty equipment, exposed wiring, defective machinery, overhead power lines, or unsafe electrical systems.
The human body relies on electrical signals to control nerves and muscles, and an external electrical current can interfere with these signals, causing involuntary muscle contractions, burns, cardiac complications, nerve damage, and serious long-term health problems.
Even where there is little or no visible external injury, a worker who suffers an electrical injury at work may develop ongoing symptoms including chronic pain, neurological damage, cognitive difficulties, and psychological trauma.
How Coleman Legal can help
At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand the significant impact an electrical injury at work can have on your health, finances, and future employment prospects.
Our experienced workplace injury solicitors can assist with:
- Investigating the circumstances of the accident
- Obtaining medical and engineering evidence
- Identifying breaches of health and safety legislation
- Calculating compensation for financial losses
- Representing you through the claims process
- Negotiating settlements or pursuing court proceedings where necessary
We manage every stage of your electrical injury at work claim so that you can focus on your recovery.
Electrical injury at work claim process
1. Contact our solicitor
Our workplace injury solicitors regularly assist workers who have suffered an electrical injury at work.
Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and ensures the claim is handled correctly from the outset.
2. Application to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB)
Most workplace injury claims in Ireland must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB).
Examples include:
- Workplace accidents
- Public liability claims
- Road traffic accidents
Medical negligence claims are generally excluded from the IRB process.
3. Gathering evidence and medical reports
Your solicitor will obtain:
- Medical reports
- Hospital records
- Workplace accident reports
- Witness statements
- Engineering or electrical expert reports where required
- Photographs and maintenance records
This evidence is used to support your electrical injury at work claim.
4. Consent to assess the claim
Once the claim is submitted, the IRB notifies the respondent.
The respondent has 90 days to consent to the assessment process.
- If consent is given, the IRB proceeds with the assessment.
- If consent is refused, the IRB issues an Authorisation allowing court proceedings to commence.
5. Assessment of the claim
The IRB assesses compensation based on:
- Medical evidence
- The Personal Injuries Guidelines
- Financial losses arising from the injury
If both parties accept the assessment, an Order to Pay is issued.
If either party rejects the assessment, the claim may proceed to court.
Employer responsibilities
Employer liability
Employers owe a duty of care to provide employees with:
- Safe systems of work
- A safe workplace
- Safe plant and machinery
- Competent supervision and training
- Competent fellow employees
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, employers must do everything reasonably practicable to protect employees from workplace risks, including electrical hazards.
Employers should:
- Maintain electrical equipment in a safe condition
- Carry out regular inspections and testing
- Provide appropriate training
- Implement safe lockout and isolation procedures
- Supply suitable personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Ensure only competent persons carry out electrical work
- Conduct risk assessments
- Provide adequate supervision
A failure to implement appropriate safety measures may result in liability where an electrical injury at work occurs.
Compensation in an electrical injury at work claim
1. General damages
Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.
General damages are assessed in accordance with the Personal Injuries Guidelines.
2. Loss of amenity
Compensation for the effect of the injury on your daily life, including:
- Reduced independence
- Inability to participate in hobbies
- Reduced ability to care for family members
- Impact on social activities
3. Psychological injuries
Compensation may also be available for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Psychological trauma arising from the accident
4. Special damages
These include financial losses such as:
- Loss of earnings
- Future loss of earnings
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Care costs
- Home adaptations
- Future treatment requirements
Claimants should retain receipts and records of all expenses related to their electrical injury at work.
Statute of limitations
In most cases, a person has two years less one day from the date of the accident, or from the date of knowledge of the injury, to commence legal proceedings.
Different rules apply to individuals under the age of 18.
Because time limits can be complex, legal advice should be sought as soon as possible following an electrical injury at work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What legislation governs electrical safety at work in Ireland?
Electrical safety in Irish workplaces is governed primarily by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.
Additional regulations may apply depending on the industry, including the Construction Regulations for construction sites.
What injuries can result from an electrical accident at work, and how are they assessed?
An electrical injury at work can result in:
- Electric shock
- Electrical burns
- Nerve damage
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Brain injury
- Falls caused by involuntary muscle contractions
- Psychological trauma
Compensation is assessed based on the severity of the injury, long-term consequences, and impact on the claimant’s life.
What should I do immediately after suffering an electrical injury at work?
You should:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to your employer
- Ensure the incident is recorded in the workplace accident book
- Preserve any evidence
- Obtain witness details
- Consult a solicitor as soon as possible
Serious workplace accidents may also need to be reported to the Health and Safety Authority.
Can I claim if the electrical injury was partly my fault?
Yes. Under the Civil Liability Act 1961, a finding of contributory negligence does not necessarily prevent recovery.
Compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, but you may still recover damages where your employer also contributed to the accident.
Does an electrical injury at work go through the IRB?
Yes. Most electrical injury at work claims must first be submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board.
If the employer does not consent to the assessment process, the IRB will issue an Authorisation allowing court proceedings to commence.
