Electrocution Accidents
Electrocution accidents often involve more than just physical injury, they expose serious failures in safety, supervision, or product design. Whether the incident happens on a job site, in a rental property, or through contact with a defective electrical device, the consequences are frequently permanent and life-altering. These cases demand immediate attention, not only because the injuries are often severe, but because key evidence, such as wiring conditions, equipment settings, or inspection records, can disappear quickly.
Iowa Electrocution Accident Lawyer
McCarthy & Hamrock represents people injured in electrocution accidents in Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the state of Iowa. Call our firm at 515-279-9700 to request a free consultation to discuss your injuries and potential claims for compensation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay us any legal fees. Instead, our firm gets a percentage of the settlement or verdict or “contingency fee” upon achieving a victory in your case. Learn more essential information about Iowa electrocution accidents, including how they happen, legal options available to victims, the types of financial compensation that may be pursued, and how an Iowa electrocution accident attorney can act quickly and effectively on the victim’s behalf to pursue justice.
Overview of Electrocution Accidents in Iowa
- Types of Electrocution Accidents That Happen in Iowa
- Injuries That Make Electrocution Accidents in Iowa So Dangerous
- Where Electrocution Accidents Happen Most Often in Des Moines
- Who Is Legally Responsible for an Electrocution Accident in Iowa
- Why Hiring an Iowa Electrocution Accident Lawyer Is Critical
- Questions People Often Ask After an Electrocution Accident in Iowa
- Resources
Types of Electrocution Accidents That Happen in Iowa
Workplace Electrocution Accidents — These injuries often occur on construction sites, in factories, or during utility work. Workers face serious risk when handling exposed wires, malfunctioning tools, or overhead power lines. Faulty lockout/tagout procedures, lack of protective equipment, and inadequate training often contribute to these situations.
Home Electrical Accidents — Electrocutions also happen in homes due to faulty wiring, unsafe outlets, or poorly grounded systems. These incidents are common in older homes with outdated electrical infrastructure.
Public Property Electrocution Accidents — Victims may suffer electrical injuries from exposed wiring, street lighting malfunctions, or energized equipment in public parks and sidewalks. These cases may involve the City of Des Moines or other public entities.
Electrocutions at Businesses and Commercial Buildings — Retail stores, restaurants, and office buildings may expose customers or workers to electrical hazards from poorly maintained outlets, kitchen appliances, or building systems.
Child Electrocutions from Unsafe Property Conditions — Kids are especially vulnerable to electrocution around pools, playgrounds, or school grounds. Exposed wiring, unsafe extension cords, and defective outdoor lighting can all lead to tragic outcomes. In many child injury cases, Iowa’s attractive nuisance law may apply, which allows injured children to recover damages in a lawsuit even if they were on the property without permission.
Electrocutions Caused by Defective Products — Dangerous consumer electronics, kitchen appliances, e-bikes, or chargers can shock or electrocute users due to manufacturing defects or design flaws.
Electrocutions During Storms or Flooding — Severe Iowa weather can knock down power lines, flood basements, and expose people to hidden electrical currents. Homeowners and residents are often unaware that waterlogged outlets, breaker boxes, or extension cords can still carry deadly current.
Electrocution from Utility Pole or Transformer Failures — Malfunctioning or poorly maintained electrical infrastructure such as transformers, utility poles, or underground power lines can lead to electrocution in residential neighborhoods or urban areas. When these components fail, they may energize nearby fences, sidewalks, or even buildings. Under Iowa Code Chapter 476, utility providers regulated by the Iowa Utilities Board have a legal duty to inspect and maintain their equipment
Electrocution While Using Agricultural Equipment — Iowa’s strong agricultural economy means that farmers and farmworkers often operate machinery near overhead or buried power lines. Tractors, grain augers, and irrigation systems can unintentionally contact electrical lines, leading to fatal shocks. These accidents are more likely in rural areas where outdated electrical grids and private line installations may not meet modern standards.
Electrocution During Remodeling or Contract Work — Private contractors or handymen doing remodeling work in homes or small businesses may suffer electrocution if existing wiring is mislabeled, exposed, or violates code.
Electrocution in Recreational Settings — Campgrounds, RV parks, and marinas may pose electrical hazards due to uninspected hookups, extension cords, or portable power sources. These risks are particularly dangerous in wet environments, like near water or during summer storms.
Injuries That Make Electrocution Accidents in Iowa So Dangerous
Internal Electrical Burns — These burns often damage tissue deep beneath the skin, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Unlike thermal burns, they can spread without visible signs.
Heart Damage and Cardiac Arrest — A strong enough current can pass through the chest and disrupt normal heart rhythm. Victims may suffer cardiac arrest at the scene or develop life-threatening arrhythmias later.
Brain and Nervous System Injuries — Electrical current that passes through the head or spine may lead to memory loss, seizures, or loss of motor function. Victims sometimes appear normal at first but worsen over time.
Secondary Fall Injuries — Many electrocution victims fall from ladders, roofs, or scaffolding at the moment of shock. These secondary injuries often include broken bones, spinal trauma, or internal bleeding.
Injuries Requiring Amputation — When electricity causes deep tissue death or crush injuries from severe falls, amputation may become necessary.
Burn Scars and Disfigurement — Some victims are left with permanent scarring, especially on the hands, face, or legs. These physical reminders of trauma can impact mental health and employability.
Delayed-Onset Injuries — Some electrical injuries don’t show up right away. Victims may experience chronic pain, numbness, or organ problems weeks or even months after the accident.
Another alarming truth is that many electrocution injuries are initially misdiagnosed as unrelated conditions. Because symptoms of bodily injuries can include muscle weakness, memory issues, headaches, or numbness, victims are often told they have a neurological disorder or psychological problem. This delay in diagnosis not only worsens the condition but also makes it harder to connect the injury to the original accident.
Where Electrocution Accidents Happen Most Often in Des Moines
Construction and Development Sites — Downtown Des Moines has seen ongoing redevelopment projects, particularly in the Market District and around East Village. These areas often have exposed wiring, overhead power lines, and incomplete safety protocols.
Manufacturing and Industrial Zones — The Southeast Agribusiness Park and surrounding warehouse areas in Des Moines host many industrial operations where high-voltage machinery and temporary power setups are common. Electrical panels, forklifts, and automated equipment often carry risk of electrocution when not maintained or grounded properly.
Older Residential Neighborhoods — Beaverdale, Highland Park, and River Bend contain homes with aging wiring systems that may not meet current Iowa Electrical Examining Board standards under Iowa Code Chapter 103. Many homes still operate with outdated knob-and-tube systems, increasing the risk of electrical fires and shocks.
City Parks and Recreational Areas — Public spaces like Union Park, Gray’s Lake, and Water Works Park contain electric-powered lighting, pumps, and equipment. Faulty or unmaintained infrastructure can cause electrocution, particularly after rainstorms or during large events when portable power sources are used.
Restaurants and Commercial Kitchens — High-use appliances and moisture-prone environments in places like the Court Avenue District create a dangerous mix. Employees and customers alike may be exposed to ungrounded or malfunctioning kitchen equipment, especially when businesses ignore electrical maintenance.
Public Event Spaces — The Iowa State Fairgrounds and Principal Park host major outdoor events with temporary lighting and electrical wiring. Cords, generators, and portable equipment often present hidden hazards if improperly installed or inspected.
Schools and Childcare Centers — Facilities with playgrounds or outdoor lighting, especially older ones, may have deteriorating or exposed electrical lines. These areas are especially dangerous for children, who may unknowingly touch unsafe surfaces or equipment.
Who Is Legally Responsible for an Electrocution Accident in Iowa
Employers on Construction or Job Sites — Most workplace electrocution injuries fall under Iowa’s workers’ compensation system, governed by Iowa Code Chapter 85. In these cases, injured workers cannot sue their employers directly, even if the employer’s negligence caused the accident. However, if a third-party contractor or equipment supplier was responsible, a separate personal injury claim may be filed outside the workers’ comp system.
Property Owners and Landlords — Owners of homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties can be held liable under Iowa premises liability law. If a landlord failed to fix known electrical issues or did not meet the legal duty to maintain a safe environment, they may be responsible for the injuries. Iowa Code § 562A.15 requires landlords to comply with housing codes affecting health and safety, including electrical hazards.
Businesses and Commercial Tenants — A business occupying or managing a property may be liable under Iowa Code Chapter 668 if it knew or should have known about dangerous wiring, faulty outlets, or unsafe electrical equipment.
Product Manufacturers and Distributors — When a defective or poorly designed product causes an electrocution injury, Iowa product liability law may apply. Under Iowa Code § 668.12, manufacturers, sellers, and distributors can be held accountable for defective products that are unreasonably dangerous, including faulty appliances, chargers, or equipment.
Utility Companies and Electrical Contractors — Public or private utility providers may be responsible if they fail to maintain or inspect power lines, transformers, or underground systems. MidAmerican, Alliant, Black Hills, Liberty, Iowa-American Water, Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, and Iowa Utility Association serve Iowa with energy, water, and efficiency programs statewide.
Government Entities — Injuries that occur on public property—such as city parks, sidewalks, or schools—may result in claims against government agencies. The Iowa Tort Claims Act (Iowa Code Chapter 669) allows individuals to bring claims for negligence by public employees, though strict notice and filing requirements apply. If the electrocution was caused by poor maintenance or failure to warn of known dangers, the state or local agency may be liable.
Why Hiring an Iowa Electrocution Accident Lawyer Is Critical
Electrocution accidents usually involve deep-tissue internal injuries, delayed symptoms, and multiple parties who may be at fault—such as landlords, utility companies, subcontractors, or product manufacturers. Unlike typical personal injury cases, proving liability in an electrocution case requires technical investigation, including analysis by electrical engineers, safety experts, and often compliance audits of OSHA standards. An experienced Iowa personal injury lawyer knows how to gather and preserve critical evidence, track down maintenance records, and interview witnesses before that information disappears.
An experienced attorney also plays a key role in dealing with insurance companies and filing lawsuits when necessary. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize the long-term impact of electrical injuries or deny responsibility altogether. A lawyer builds a case that fully documents the client’s damages—including medical bills, surgeries, missed work, emotional distress, and future care needs. In wrongful death cases, they seek compensation for funeral costs, lost companionship, and future income under Iowa Code § 633.336. Whether through a negotiated settlement or litigation, electrocution attorneys fight for fair compensation that reflects the permanent toll of these injuries. Without skilled legal help, many victims accept far less than they deserve or miss important deadlines that prevent them from recovering anything at all.
Questions People Often Ask After an Electrocution Accident in Iowa
What should someone do after they’ve been electrocuted?
Get emergency medical care and document the scene if it’s safe to do so.
Can someone sue a landlord for bad wiring?
Yes, if the landlord failed to maintain safe electrical systems under Iowa Code § 562A.15.
Can a family sue for someone who died from electrocution?
Yes. A wrongful death claim can be filed under Iowa law, usually by the estate.
How long does someone have to file a claim?
Generally two years from the date of injury, under Iowa Code § 614.1(2).
Can someone still get help if they were partially at fault?
Yes. Iowa follows comparative fault rules under Iowa Code § 668.3.
Does workers’ comp apply to electrical injuries?
Yes, but only covers employees. It limits the ability to sue the employer directly.
Can a tenant sue a property manager for electrocution?
Yes, if the manager was responsible for repairs or ignored complaints.
What if the shock didn’t cause burns but still injured them?
They can still bring a claim. Internal injuries are common in electrocution cases.
Can children sue if they got shocked on public property?
Yes, often through their parents or guardians under Iowa’s Tort Claims Act.
Should someone hire a lawyer for these kinds of cases?
Yes. These cases are too complex and technical to handle alone.
Resources
CDC — Worker Deaths by Electrocution — This piece summarizes data and case studies on worker fatalities caused by electrocution. It includes findings from the National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities surveillance system and the Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) program. The publication provides information on risks, patterns, and recommendations to help reduce occupational electrocution incidents.
National Library of Medicine — Electrical Injuries — This resource offers a detailed medical overview of electrical injuries, including their causes, types, complications, and treatment. It explains how different electrical currents affect the body, discusses injury patterns, and outlines clinical evaluation and emergency management strategies.
Iowa Utilities Commission — Electric Safety — This site covers how the Iowa Utilities Commission enforces electric safety regulations for utility providers. It explains how to access inspection and incident reports and offers instructions for searching the state’s electronic filing system. The page also outlines the One Call Law, which helps prevent electrical accidents during excavation projects.
Iowa Legislature — Iowa Administrative Code § 199—25.5 (Accident Reports) — This regulation outlines the accident reporting requirements for operators of electrical facilities in Iowa. It details when and how incidents involving energized electrical contact must be reported, what information must be included, and the timeframe for submission. The document also describes both immediate notification procedures and follow-up written reporting protocols.
Hire a Lawyer for Electrocution Accidents in Polk County, Iowa
An electrocution injury has the potential to change your daily life. Serious injuries can set you back thousands in medical cost. If you or someone you know has been injured in an electrocution accident, it’s important you contact an experienced attorney. The attorneys at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. excel at personal injury law. We can assess your case to see if you’re entitled to compensation. If litigation is needed, our attorneys will never back down from any challenge. Call (515) 279-9700 today to schedule a case consultation with an experienced attorney.
McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. represents people throughout the Polk and Dallas County area including Adel, West Des Moines, Polk City, Minburn, Winsor Heights and Dexter.