Case Study: $5.5M Settlement for Construction Worker Electrocuted by Crane Contact with High-Voltage Power Line 

Case Type: Dangerous and Hazardous Work Site in New York

Our firm secured a $5,500,000 settlement for the family of a highway construction worker who suffered fatal electrocution injuries when a crane struck an unmarked 69,000-volt transmission line. Despite past warnings by the power company about the dangerous proximity of construction vehicles to its overhead power lines, no protective steps were taken by either the general contractor or the power company to eliminate or reduce the risk of contact.    

Case Background 

Our client was working on a highway construction project, walking alongside a crane while holding a tag line used to stabilize a catch basin being lifted by the crane. As the crane operator maneuvered the load, the boom struck an overhead high-voltage power line, which was not visibly marked or identified by any warning signage. 

After contact, 69,000 volts of electricity surged through the crane and into our client, causing catastrophic electrical burns. He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where critical burn care was provided.  He ultimately succumbed to his injuries. He was survived by his wife and several children. 

Analysis of Legal Issues and Violations 

Under New York construction accident law, general contractors, property owners, and third parties, including utility companies, must maintain a safe work environment for construction workers.  

Our firm established the negligence of the general contractor and the power company for failing to guard or protect against construction vehicles inadvertently striking power lines by taking protective measures including the placement of warning signs or ground markings to alert construction workers to overhead power lines, the placement of high visibility markers on the power lines, and failing to supervise and track construction activities for unsafe practices.  

Working with qualified construction safety experts we proved violations of the New York State Labor Law provisions and New York State Industrial Code safety standards designed to protect construction workers including: 

New York Labor Law § 241(6) and New York Industrial Code which mandates: 

• Overhead power lines near construction work must be de-energized or visibly marked to prevent accidental contact 
• Mobile Cranes must be run by properly trained and competent personnel 
• Protective measures must be instituted to prevent contact with any energized electrical circuit 
• Notification to Power Company of work within vicinity of a power line and properly following precautions set forth by power company 
• Posting and maintenance of proper warnings on construction equipment and at the construction site. 
• Minium clearance distances between power lines and mobile equipment  
• Labor Law § 200 – The power company and general contractor did not implement proper safety precautions, despite past warnings that construction vehicles were coming dangerously close to the power lines. 

Case Outcome 

Through meticulous investigation and expert testimony from construction safety engineers, electrical hazard specialists, and medical professionals, we showed this tragic accident was preventable. The power company and the construction site general contractor ultimately agreed to a $5,500,000 settlement, giving our client’s family financial security for losing their loved one, including compensation for his pain and suffering lost future earnings and loss of guidance and support to his children.  

Justice for Construction Workers & Their Families 

This case highlights the critical need for proper safety measures and adherence to safety standards and regulations on construction sites, especially when working near energized electrical lines.  

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious construction injury, our experienced legal team is here to fight for maximum compensation and justice for your family. Contact us today for a free consultation.