Q: Do I have a lawsuit against the electric company?
I was putting a metal roof on our porch today and my ladder slid, when I caught myself my arm touched a service drop that runs to the meter loop, when it done so I was electrocuted causing a small burn on my arm and numbness and tingling in my hand and arm, when I looked at it I noticed it was caused because the electric company didn't put an insulated connector on one of the hot wires leaving it exposed. Wondering if I have a case? Also pretty sure it's a Missouri code and OSHA regulation to have insulated connectors on both.
A:
While this is a good question, it's important to follow up with an attorney in person. That attorney can discuss with you the importance of negligence, and your likelihood to prevail in a suit.
One thing that is considered when your case is evaluated is the possibility that you might also be at fault. You may feel insulted at the suggestion that you had anything to do with this injury, and that may be an appropriate response. But, when you are discussing this with your attorney, you need to be aware that he is just dispassionately evaluating what will be brought before judge and, possibly, jury. If he doesn't ask you now, it'll be embarrassing if the answer isn't what you expect.
You brought up Missouri Code and OSHA regulations. These both may play into the what is called "duty." But "duty" is just one element of a negligence claim, and it is important to consider the whole picture. Another thing to have with you when you go to meet with your attorney is your medical bills. Know when you visited your doctor, how much it cost, and whether the doctor stated any of your injuries seemed to be pre-existing.
What you described was very detailed, and that is important. Being able to communicate clearly with your lawyer is very helpful. But the details you gave are not enough to determine whether you would prevail in a courtroom battle.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
