Worker Critically Injured At SLAC National Accelerator Lab Electrocution Accident At Stanford University
PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA (February 9, 2023) – A worker was critically injured in an electrocution accident at a high-tech physics lab at Stanford University in Palo Alto.
Santa Clara County officials are saying that the accident took place on December 27th. A worker was at the SLAC National Accelerator Lab, which is run under the U.S. Department of Energy but is also managed by Stanford University.
A worker was electrocuted by a high-voltage electric arc. He was working as part of a crew shutting down the lab prior to the accident. Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
The worker was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. This accident occurred after numerous other accidents and workplace safety concerns.
A federal probe has been launched and the SLAC National Accelerator Lab is currently shut down.
Liability For Palo Alto Electrocution Accidents
Despite continuous improvements to workplace safety standards, electrocutions remain a major cause of serious injury and death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there have been 166 workplace deaths due to electrocution accidents in 2019. This represents a 3.75% increase in deaths due to workplace electrocution accidents over the previous year. There a are number of steps that employers should take in order to reduce the likelihood of workplace electrocution accidents.
- Workers should ideally use cables that have thick, resilient insulation.
- Electrical cables should be protected with conduits.
- Workers should avoid working near electrical lines when possible.
- A safety supervisor should check for and report electrical hazards.
- Workers should have PPE rated for the voltage they are working with.
- Workers should be properly trained on electrical safety guidelines.
When a worker is injured on the job, they will typically have recourse through a worker’s compensation claim. The worker’s compensation system in California is based on a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate liability. After a worker is injured, it is important that they let their doctors know that they were injured on the job. Depending on the facts of any case, an injured worker may also have recourse through a third-party liability claim.
A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. There are many potential sources of third-party liability for an electrocution accident. A general contractor could be liable if they failed to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. The manufacturer of a piece of machinery could also face liability if it lacked adequate safety features. Victims of electrocution accidents tend to suffer very serious and costly injuries.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Cardiac Arrest
- Burn Injuries
- Amputations
- Muscle, Nerve and Tissue Destruction
It can be hard to know where to begin after any electrocution accident. But it is important for workers to know they do have rights. They have the right to work in a safe environment with adequate protective gear. They may also be able to recover damages through a civil claim. A workplace accident attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Palo Alto Electrocution Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our best wishes to the worker injured in this electrocution accident at the Stanford University physics lab. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to Cal/OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps will be taken to prevent other incidents like this. Safety should always be the number one priority for any employer. But far too often expediency and cost reduction measures put workers needlessly at risk.
Have you or someone that you think about been injured in a workplace electrocution accident. There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of worker’s rights advocates are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims get the medical and financial support that they need in order to recover. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
