New Orleans Electrocution Accident Attorney

Representing Families & Victims of Electrocution Accidents in New Orleans

Electrocution accidents are among the most devastating types of accidents, often leading to catastrophic injuries and, in many cases, fatalities. In a city like New Orleans, where historic buildings, active construction, and aging infrastructure intersect, the risk of serious or deadly electrical injuries is all too real. Whether it happens on a job site, in a residential home, or at a commercial property, electrocution can result in permanent disability, catastrophic burns, organ damage, or wrongful death.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our New Orleans electrocution attorneys understand how quickly lives can change when an electrical accident occurs. With decades of combined experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients across Louisiana—including a record-setting $117 million verdict—we’ve built a reputation for fierce advocacy and compassionate client support. If you suffered a serious electrical injury or lost someone due to a fatal electrocution accident in New Orleans, we’re ready to help you pursue justice.

Contact us today at (225) 209-9943 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our New Orleans electrocution accident lawyers.

Where Electrocutions Are Most Likely to Happen

Electrocutions can occur virtually anywhere electricity is present, but certain environments pose higher risks. 

In New Orleans, some of the most common settings for electrical accidents include:

• Construction Sites: Contact with live wires, overhead power lines, or faulty equipment is a constant hazard for workers. Fatal electrocutions are not uncommon in these high-risk environments.
• Industrial Facilities: New Orleans’ port and manufacturing sectors often involve high-voltage machinery and complex electrical systems.
• Residential Homes: Old wiring, poorly installed appliances, and DIY repairs can cause serious accidents, including fatal electrical shocks.
• Commercial Buildings: Businesses, particularly those housed in historic structures, may have outdated or unsafe electrical systems, leading to a heightened risk of electrocution.
• Public Infrastructure: Exposed wires, poorly maintained streetlights, and electrical hazards on city property can pose risks to pedestrians, workers, and children.

No matter where they happen, electrocution accidents are nearly always preventable. When negligent property owners, construction site managers, and landlords fail to keep others safe, they can—and must—be held accountable.

Common Causes of Electrocution in New Orleans

Tragically, electrical accidents often stem from preventable mistakes or, worse, negligence. In most cases, it's not the person who was harmed who was careless but a property owner, employer, or some other party.

Some of the most common causes of electrocution accidents in New Orleans include:

• Improperly installed or maintained electrical systems
• Contact with overhead or buried power lines
• Defective tools or equipment
• Lack of ground fault protection (GFCI)
• Code violations in older structures
• Failure to shut off power during repairs or maintenance
• Inadequate training or supervision on job sites

Because New Orleans has many aging buildings and ongoing redevelopment efforts, residents and workers are often exposed to outdated electrical systems. This increases the importance of adhering to national safety standards and local building codes. When these standards are ignored, the consequences can be fatal.

Who Is Liable for an Electrocution Accident in New Orleans?

Determining who is responsible after an electrocution accident can be complex. Multiple parties may be liable, especially in fatal cases where the family of the victim may have grounds for a wrongful death claim.

Some examples of potentially liable parties include:

• Employers may be liable for unsafe working conditions, lack of training, or failure to provide protective gear.
• Property owners can be held accountable if unsafe wiring or neglected maintenance caused the electrocution accident.
• Contractors or subcontractors might bear responsibility if the incident occurred at work or on a shared job site.
• The manufacturer, designer, or distributor of defective electrical equipment could face liability in a product liability claim.
• Government entities may be liable if the injury occurred on public property due to neglect, code violations, or faulty infrastructure.

Injured workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but families who’ve lost a loved one may also have the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against negligent third parties. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we investigate every angle to ensure clients and families get the answers they’re owed.

Filing an Electrical Accident Lawsuit in New Orleans

Filing an electrocution accident claim in New Orleans comes with unique legal and procedural factors. The city has an intricate mix of local ordinances, historic preservation rules, and zoning codes that can influence liability in property-related claims. 

Additionally, Louisiana has a relatively short statute of limitations on some electrocution accident lawsuits. If the incident occurred before July 1, 2024, or if the suit being filed is a wrongful death action, legal action must be taken within one year of the date of injury or death. For personal injury claims in which the victim was injured on or after July 1, 2024, the statute of limitations extends to two years from the date of injury.

Why Choose a Local Electrocution Accident Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer with deep roots in New Orleans matters. Local attorneys understand how to work with city agencies, navigate parish-specific rules, and anticipate challenges unique to the area, such as weather-related infrastructure damage or building code variations.

The attorneys at Clayton, Frugé & Ward are proud to serve the New Orleans community. Our diverse team reflects the city’s character and resilience, and our firm is committed to holding negligent parties accountable, not only to help our clients, but to make workplaces and communities across the region safer.

New Orleans Electrocution Accident FAQ

What Should I Do After an Electrocution Accident in New Orleans?

Seek immediate medical attention, document the scene (if possible), and contact a qualified New Orleans electrocution attorney as soon as possible. Fast action is critical when it comes to preserving evidence and protecting your rights.

Can I Sue If I Was Electrocuted at Work or While on the Job?

You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, which negates your right to sue your employer directly. However, you could also have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a third party, such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer. Speak to our New Orleans electrocution attorneys today to learn more about your rights and legal options. 

What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a New Orleans Electrocution Injury Claim?

In an electrocution injury case, you may be eligible to recover medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs. In fatal cases, families may also pursue wrongful death damages for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost financial support. We invite you to contact our firm today to set up a free consultation and learn more.

Get Help from Experienced New Orleans Electrocution Attorneys

An electrocution injury, or the death of a loved one due to electrocution, can turn your world upside down. You shouldn’t have to face the aftermath alone. The New Orleans electrocution accident lawyers at Clayton, Frugé & Ward are here to stand by your side, guide you through every step of your claim, and fight to hold those at fault accountable. We’ve recovered over $1 billion for injured clients and grieving families, including some of the largest verdicts in Louisiana history. We take pride in being more than just legal advocates; we’re part of the communities we serve.

Contact Clayton, Frugé & Ward today at (225) 209-9943 for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.