Have you had an electric shock at work due to faulty equipment or a lack of training? Slater and Gordon's electrocution accident lawyers offer a No Win No Fee service to almost all of our personal injury clients.
Electricity is a part of daily working life in many industries, from construction and manufacturing to offices, retail and healthcare. When something goes wrong, an electric shock can cause serious and sometimes life‑changing injuries. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a workplace electric shock, it’s natural to have questions about your rights, your employer’s responsibilities, and whether you could make an electric shock compensation claim.
At Slater and Gordon, we understand how distressing an electric shock accident can be. Alongside the physical pain, you may be dealing with worry about work, finances, and your long‑term health. Our leading electric shock solicitors are experts in the field and have secured vital compensation and resources for countless clients across the country.
To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss your case in more detail, call our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What causes an electric shock at work?
Electric shocks can be dangerous, even from something as small as a 240V hairdryer. So, when they occur from much higher voltage equipment, serious injury or even death can occur. The main causes of electric shocks in the workplace are:
The presence of untested electrical equipment
Unqualified staff being asked to work on electrical equipment
Faulty or malfunctioning equipment
Your employer has a duty of care to protect you from harm in the workplace; if you’ve been injured by an electric shock in any of the cases above, you may have a case for seeking electric shock compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
What are the regulations for electricity in the workplace?
UK law places clear duties on employers to protect workers from electrical danger, as set out in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations require employers to ensure that electrical systems are constructed, maintained and used in a way that prevents danger, so far as reasonably practicable.
In simple terms, this means employers must make sure electrical equipment is safe to use, is regularly inspected, and is properly maintained. Faulty equipment should be repaired or removed from use, and live electrical work should be avoided wherever possible. Where working on or near electricity can’t be avoided, employers must put measures in place to reduce risk, including safe systems of work and suitable training.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 also places a general duty on employers to take reasonable steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. Employers are also required to carry out risk assessments, provide suitable personal protective equipment where needed, and ensure staff are given adequate information and training.
If an employer fails to meet these legal duties and you are injured as a result, you could be entitled to make an electric shock injury compensation claim.
Can I claim compensation if I've had an accident at work?
If you’ve been involved in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Watch our video of Karolis who tragically lost his foot following an accident at work in a sawmill.
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Electric shock injuries can vary widely depending on the strength of the current, how long the contact lasted, and the path the electricity took through the body. Some injuries are immediately obvious, while others may develop or worsen over time.
In severe cases, a substantial electric shock can prove instantly fatal, which is why the regulations for the use of electrical items in the workplace are so strict. Even where an electric shock is not fatal, any or all these serious symptoms and effects may occur:
Burns, both minor and life-threatening
Muscle spasms
Breathing difficulties
Irregular heartbeats
Cardiac arrest
Broken bones due to muscle spasm
Damage to the nervous system
If you or a loved one has suffered an electric shock in the workplace, it's essential that you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Even shocks that seem minor at first should be taken seriously, as symptoms can emerge days or weeks later.
Who can claim electric shock at work compensation?
If you have been injured at work due to an electric shock and the accident was caused by your employer’s failure to keep you safe, you may be entitled to make an electric shock compensation claim.
Many electric shock at work claims are brought by employees, but other workers may also be eligible. Agency workers, contractors, apprentices and some self‑employed people can sometimes claim if the organisation controlling the work failed in its duty of care.
The key question is not your job title but whether the party responsible for the workplace had a legal duty to keep you safe and breached that duty. Even visitors, trainees and members of the public may be able to bring an electric shock injury compensation claim if they were harmed due to unsafe electrical systems.
Our electric shock solicitors assess claims with care and honesty. If we believe your claim has reasonable prospects of success, we will guide you through the process and explain your options clearly at every stage.
If you've had a shock from faulty or untested electrical equipment or have been hurt while doing a task you were asked to do but were unqualified for, talk to us today about making an electric shock compensation claim.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
What can compensation for an electric shock at work claim cover?
As with many other types of personal injury claim, an electric shock claim will consider two types of damages when determining how much compensation to award; general damages and special damages.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the severity of your injury, and by how quickly you are likely to recover from that injury. If you are not expected to make a full recovery, your continuing ongoing difficulties are also considered. Medical expert evidence is used to support this claim.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs. This part of your compensation will also include any future losses you are likely to suffer, including future loss of earnings and care costs.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s electric shock solicitors?
Employers have a moral and legal obligation to ensure the health and wellbeing of their employees to the best of their ability. Where this obligation is not met, we understand that the consequences can be severely damaging, both physically and psychologically. That is why our electric shock lawyers are on hand to support and advise you throughout the process.
Our experts have earned top rankings from reputable independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our team also hold esteemed positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), such as Vice President, Senior Litigator and Brain Injury Specialist
We’re also accredited by the Law Society's Lexcel program, which underscores our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism
We pursue most electric shock claims on a No Win No Fee basis, so there is no financial risk to pursuing a claim
Our solicitors work closely with medical professionals to assess injuries and determine the necessary future care and rehabilitation, which enhances our ability to negotiate fair compensation on your behalf
We’re partnered with various charities that assist those who have experienced serious injuries, so we can guide you toward ongoing support for you and your family
Frequently asked questions about electric shock claims
How much compensation could I receive for an electric shock claim?
Every injury claim is different, and the amount of compensation you're likely to receive will depend upon the seriousness of the injury, and the impact it will have on your life. As a rule, the more severe your injury, the more compensation you will be able to claim.
Other considerations include the cost of any necessary treatment, any time you have had to take out of work to recover, and any adaptations you have had to make as a result of your injuries. We take most electric shock at work cases on a No Win No Fee basis and understand the importance of seeking interim payments at the earliest opportunity to help you avoid hardship if you are prevented from working by your injuries.
Is there a time limit for making an electric shock claim?
Under UK law, the general rule is that a court claim must be brought within three years of the date of the accident. However, there are certain circumstances in which this time limit may change; for example, if you’re claiming on behalf of a child, or someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so for themselves.
It's therefore important that you speak to a specialist injury solicitor as soon as you are able. Our dedicated electric shock solicitors are here to help when you’re ready; call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to request a callback.
How long will it take to settle my electric shock claim?
It can be difficult to determine how long it will take to settle a claim, as there are several factors that can influence the timeline. Straightforward cases, where liability is accepted early and injuries are relatively minor, may be resolved relatively quickly. Complex cases, especially those involving more serious injuries or disputes over liability, can take longer.
More severe injuries often require multiple medical assessments to understand the long-term impact, and it is important not to rush this stage. Settling too quickly could result in compensation that does not reflect your future needs.
Your solicitor will always keep you informed, explain the expected timeline and work to make the process as efficient and stress-free as possible.
Could I lose my job if I make an electric shock claim against my employer?
No. Under UK law, employers are not allowed to dismiss staff for bringing a personal injury claim against their business.
We know that many people can feel uncomfortable with the idea of making a claim against an employer, and often it is the thought of the added cost to the business (and the implications for their boss) that concerns them. It is important to remember that businesses in the UK are required to have employers' liability insurance, which is designed to cover the cost of any claim you make against your employer.
Can I make a No Win No Fee electric shock accident claim?
Yes, you can. Most of the electric shock at work claims we pursue are funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement, also known as No Win No Fee. Under this agreement, there are no upfront costs to starting a claim, and you won’t owe us any legal fees if your claim is unsuccessful.
If your claim succeeds, a small success fee will usually be deducted from your compensation. This fee is capped by law, meaning that you will always keep the majority of your compensation.
Making a No Win No Fee electric shock claim means you can pursue legal action and secure the compensation you deserve without any financial risk. To learn more, or to start your claim, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What evidence do I need to make an electric shock claim?
Evidence plays an important role in any electric shock injury compensation claim. Useful evidence can include accident reports and logbooks, medical records, photographs of the scene or faulty equipment, maintenance records, and witness statements.
You do not need to gather everything yourself. An experienced electric shock solicitor will help identify what evidence is needed and take steps to obtain it. Seeking medical attention promptly and reporting the accident at work early are two of the most helpful steps you can take.
Can I claim if I had a minor electric shock?
Minor electric shocks can still lead to a valid claim if they were caused by negligence and resulted in injury. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, they may persist or develop later.
Compensation in such cases may be lower than that for severe injuries, but it can still cover pain, distress, and any financial losses you have suffered. Our expert electric shock solicitors have a wealth of experience handling claims covering a wide range of injuries and can help you determine whether a claim is worthwhile.
Can I still make an electric shock claim if I was partly at fault?
Yes, it is still possible to make an electric shock claim, even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you receive will usually be reduced to reflect your share of the responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence.
When you speak to our leading electric shock solicitors, they’ll assess the details of your case and determine the extent to which you were responsible for what happened or for the severity of the injuries caused. To account for your contribution, your compensation will be reduced by an equivalent level if your claim is successful.
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
In some cases, you may be able to bring a claim on behalf of someone else. This is often true if the injured person was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident or lacks the mental capacity to manage their own legal affairs. If an electric shock injury leads to a fatality, close family members or dependants may be entitled to claim compensation.
We understand that these cases can be difficult and need to be handled with care and sensitivity. Our specialist team has extensive experience supporting families and loved ones through complex and emotional claims following serious or fatal accidents. We’ll explain everything clearly and take the process at your pace, providing tailored legal guidance and support so you know you’re in safe hands from the start.
It’s very unlikely you will need to go to court. In most cases, a settlement can be reached outside of court through negotiation with the responsible party and their insurer, who will handle the claim on their behalf.
Rarely, it may not be possible to reach an agreement, either due to disputes regarding liability (fault) or the amount of compensation owed. In such cases court proceedings would then be issued, though out of court attempts to reach settlement before the final hearing could continue.
If court attendance becomes necessary, your solicitor will explain clearly what happens next and what to expect. They’ll also continue to represent you throughout proceedings, advocating for your rights and working to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
What happens if I can’t return to work?
If an electric shock injury means you can’t return to work, either temporarily or permanently, your compensation can take this into account. This may include past and future loss of earnings, pension losses, and costs associated with retraining for a different role if possible.
Your long‑term wellbeing is central to how compensation is assessed. We work closely with medical and employment experts to understand the full impact of your injuries on your working life, ensuring that this is taken into account when determining how much compensation you are owed.
What constitutes employer negligence with electrical work?
Employer negligence in electrical work generally involves a failure to follow safety laws or accepted good practice. This can include not maintaining equipment, failing to carry out risk assessments, allowing untrained staff to work with electricity, or ignoring known hazards.
Negligence may also arise where employers rush work, cut corners, or fail to act on previous incidents or warnings. When these failures lead to injury, an electric shock injury compensation claim can help hold employers to account and encourage safer workplaces.