Two Chicago Workers Electrocuted While Trimming Trees

Anyone working in the vicinity of power lines in Chicago faces serious risks. Electrocution is a major cause of death among American workers, and it leaves countless grieving families each year. If your loved one was electrocuted while working near power lines, you may face lost future income, funeral costs, and other damages. Electrocution may also cause serious but non-fatal injuries, and this occurred after a recent accident in Chicago. Can a workers’ compensation lawyer help after an electrocution in Chicago?

Tree Trimmers Miraculously Survive After Being Electrocuted

 In January of 2025, various sources reported that two workers had been electrocuted north of Chicago. The individuals were employed by the Public Workers Department, and they were attempting to trim trees when the accident occurred. For unknown reasons, their crane came into contact with overhead power lines – causing them both to be electrocuted. The entire truck was “energized,” causing various injuries to the workers.

One suffered electrical burns, and he was quickly airlifted to a Chicago hospital. The other suffered unspecified injuries, and he was transported to a hospital close by. Immediately after the accident, other workers reportedly administered first aid to the victims. Authorities did not reveal much more information in the immediate aftermath.

Electrocution Is Often Fatal

 The fact that these workers managed to survive after being electrocuted is somewhat miraculous. Generally speaking, electrocution implies fatal injuries. The human body cannot withstand the amount of voltage that flows through a typical power line. Even if an individual does survive, the extent of their burns may be extremely painful and debilitating.

Long-Term Consequences of Electrocution 

Even though these workers survived being electrocuted, their lives may never be the same. This type of accident often causes severe burns, and sometimes the damage can reach down to the skeleton. Injuries may also be extremely disfiguring, affecting a victim’s self-confidence for the rest of their lives. Electrocuted victims may never work again, and they may need to receive medical treatment for the foreseeable future.

A workers’ compensation claim can help electrocution victims and their families in many ways. If the accident was fatal, workers’ compensation can provide “death benefits.” This form of compensation covers the wages that a worker would have earned throughout life. Workers’ comp can also cover funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills (including air ambulance costs), and more.

If the victim survives, workers’ comp can cover the cost of medical treatment. With sufficient rehabilitation, victims may recover some semblance of normality.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help After an Electrocution Accident in Chicago? 

If your loved one was electrocuted while working in Chicago, a workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help. Families may face uncertain futures after these accidents, but they are not alone. Contact the workers’ compensation lawyers in Chicago at Connolly Injury Law today to learn more about pursuing death benefits and other forms of compensation.

Sources:

 nbcchicago.com/news/local/waukegan-public-works-electrocuted-thursday/3642071/

fox32chicago.com/news/waukegan-public-works-employees-injured-power-line-incident