It has become my daily practice to surf the net scouring for knowledge and interesting tidbits. I love knowing random things. This quest for knowledge often leads me to interesting stories. It leads me to pieces that make me laugh and feel good. On other occasions, I read shocking events and I am mortified that such tragedies could occur. When I read these stories I shake my head and think that clearly some people are a lot more malicious and maniacal than the villains in the cartoons and movies that I allow my son to watch.

Today I read such a story. Some of my friends even acknowledged that they changed their opinion of Apple after reading this story. I decided I needed to know what they were talking about. As I read the story, I learned about the fire. I learned about people that suffered burns on their face because of a fire in the plant where they worked. I also learned about three workers who lost their lives by doing the right thing and working for the things they wanted. In reading the editorial pieces, blame was placed on greed and consumerism. Much to my dismay, I also read opinions like "I don't care if the factory is unsafe, they choose to work there and I want my Ipod cheap." The basic arguments were about consumer greed, free will and free market. I also began to think legally and critically about the situation. I thought about where the blame lies and what would happen to the family. I realize that this was not an American situation, but I pondered how American law would handle it.

My mentor used to say she started in Personal Injury and Worker's Compensation because she realized people are not computers. If they break, you cannot throw them away. You have to take the time to fix them, to make them whole again. In American jurisprudence this means you have to start by assigning fault and damages. The fault says who picks up the bar tab at the end of the night and the damages say how much each person has to pay. In cases where there is a death determining liability would lead to the decision that the bill is to be split between among the builder, the management, and the owner. Those three entities are charged with making sure the facility is safe. No employee goes to work with a building inspector, nor should they have to. The people who are responsible for the building need to make it safe and provide adequate protections.

The bad guys are not always easy to spot in real life. The villainy of a corporation should not come at the cost of an individual's life. If you or your loved one has been hurt and a corporation is at fault, contact an attorney to understand your rights.

This blog post was written by Rabihah Scott. The personal injury practice group of Price Benowitz LLP has offices in DC, Baltimore, Rockville and Ellicott City. The firm also has offices in Fairfax, Leesburg, and Warrenton that are staffed by Thomas Soldan.

Occupational fatalities due to electrocution are surprisingly common in certain professions. While electrical workers account for a majority of accidental electrocutions and deaths, construction, agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, public utility and transportation occupations are also highly susceptible to on-the-job electrical accidents. Many other workers are also exposed to potentially dangerous electrical voltage on a daily basis and may be unaware of the risk involved.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, electrocution is the fourth leading cause of work-related fatalities. The danger can come from internal wiring, working too close to power lines or buried cables, or using heavy machinery, among other activities. In addition, electrical dangers often remain hidden in unsuspected areas.

When electrical accidents occur as a result of someone's negligence, through no fault of the employee, the employee's family may hold those who were at fault accountable for their actions and receive substantial compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one. Such negligence can occur in a number of ways including faulty wiring, poor placement of wires or cables, inadequate training, or failing to adhere to industry safety standards. Most occupational accidents, including electrocutions, are avoidable. So when accidents occur, it is likely that someone else was negligent and caused the harm. An experienced attorney can research your case and determine who is responsible for the death of your loved one.

Workers' compensation rarely covers the financial burdens placed on your family by losing a loved one who provided a major source of income. While death benefits vary significantly by state, such benefits typically entitle a surviving spouse to only a small percentage of the former earnings. Sometimes the amount may increase according to the number of surviving dependent children, but such increases can be meager. With rising inflation and cost of living, this benefit provides little financial support for a family. In addition, workers' compensation does not include payment for pain and suffering or the loss of companionship that your family experiences.

The burden placed on a family in a time of need can be great, and when the loss was caused by an on-the-job accident, you may be entitled to collect payment from a number of sources. When workers compensation is not enough, remedies may be available in filing a wrongful death claim. A qualified wrongful death or personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process of getting additional compensation and becoming financially whole again.

If you have lost a loved one due to a tragic electrical accident during the course of employment, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to help you obtain compensation for your financial hardship.

Price Benowitz LLP handles criminal defense, immigration, and personal injury cases. The personal injury practice group is staffed by Maryland and DC personal injury lawyers Chamille Kittles and Rabihah Scott and Virginia accident lawyer Thomas Soldan. The firm has offices across Maryland and Northern Virginia.