Electricians work around energized systems, high-voltage equipment, and jobsite conditions that can change without warning. Even circuits that should be de-energized can become live due to mislabeling, backfeed, equipment defects, or human error. Chicago electricians also face added risk on large commercial sites, transit and infrastructure upgrades, industrial facilities, and older buildings where outdated systems create hidden hazards.

Three common causes of electrical accidents are:

• Direct contact: Touching a live conductor or energized component — even momentarily — can cause an immediate shock, deep tissue injury, neurological damage, or cardiac complications.
• Arcs / arc flash: Faulty connections, damaged insulation, or equipment failures can trigger an electrical arc or arc flash explosion. These incidents can cause severe burns, shrapnel injuries, and blunt-force trauma.
• Equipment failures: Defective tools, panels, breakers, switchgear, ladders, lifts, or PPE can lead to serious injuries. When a defect contributes, you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party case against a manufacturer, contractor, or property owner.

Local Chicago signal: We routinely represent electricians working under union contractors and on projects tied to the IBEW / NECA ecosystem, including work connected to Powering Chicago (IBEW Local 134 + NECA), and we handle claims involving major employers and contractors in the region.

Learn more about our broader approach to work injury claims here: Illinois Workers’ Compensation.

Electrical injuries can be catastrophic and life-changing. Illinois workers’ compensation should cover reasonable and necessary medical treatment and wage loss, but insurers often challenge serious conditions like CRPS, neurological injury, PTSD, and permanent restrictions. Our Chicago work injury lawyers know how to document and prove these cases.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes the most common electrical injuries are:

• Electrocution: A fatal electrical shock. In these tragic cases, families may pursue workers’ compensation death benefits and funeral expenses.
• Shock: Electrical shock injuries can damage nerves, soft tissue, blood vessels, and organs. Shock can also cause long-term neurological issues, including chronic pain and loss of function.
• Burn: Arc flash and electrical contact burns can lead to permanent scarring, infection risk, grafting, and loss of strength or mobility.
• Fall: Many severe electrician injuries happen when a shock triggers a fall from a ladder, lift, roof, or scaffold — causing fractures, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Not always obvious: Electrical trauma can also cause Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), chronic neuropathy, tremors, loss of grip strength, PTSD, sleep disturbance, and cognitive symptoms. These injuries can be career-ending for electricians who can’t safely return to energized work.

If you’re unsure which benefits apply, start here: Types of workers’ comp benefits in Illinois.

If you were hurt at work in Illinois, you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. For more than 25 years, McHargue & Jones, LLC has helped injured workers understand their rights, fight denied claims, and pursue the full benefits the law provides. We frequently represent electricians and other skilled trades, including union workers and employees of major Chicago-area employers like AT&T (Sedgwick).

Denied, delayed, or disputed workers’ comp claims
Even if your employer or the insurance company already told you “no,” you may still have a case. We regularly help electricians with:

• Claims denied or closed without a fair explanation
• Shock/burn cases where the insurer argues the injury is “not work-related”
• Delayed checks, missing TTD benefits, and unpaid medical bills
• Pressure to return to work before you’re medically cleared
• IME disputes and attempts to cut off treatment prematurely

We can review your paperwork, medical records, and communications, then give you a clear plan to move forward.

Workers’ comp benefits you may be entitled to
Depending on your injury and restrictions, you may be entitled to:

• Payment of reasonable and necessary medical treatment
• Temporary total disability (TTD) while you’re off work
• Temporary or permanent partial disability (TPD/PPD) for lasting impairment or restrictions
• Wage differential benefits if you can only return to lower-paying work
• A lump-sum settlement for permanent impairment or loss of earning capacity

We can walk you through which benefits apply to your case and evaluate whether a third-party personal injury claim could increase your recovery (for example: defective equipment, negligent subcontractors, or unsafe property conditions).

Why injured Illinois workers choose McHargue & Jones

• 25+ years representing injured workers across Illinois
• No fee unless we win
• Full Spanish-speaking office – Se habla español
• Deep experience with union workers and skilled trades
• Focused representation for electricians: shock injuries, severe burns, CRPS, PTSD, brain injuries, and career-ending restrictions

Internal resources: Start with our main hub: Workers’ Compensation in Illinois. If you are an electrician specifically, visit: Electricians.

Call (312) 739-0000 or request a free consultation online today. There is no fee unless we win.

Does workers’ compensation cover electrical shock injuries in Illinois?

Yes. If you were shocked while performing your job duties, Illinois workers’ compensation should cover medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits.

Can electrical shock cause long-term nerve pain or CRPS?

Yes. Electric shock and burn trauma can cause chronic neuropathy, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), tremors, loss of grip strength, and long-term functional limits that may prevent a safe return to electrical work.

Are union electricians covered under Illinois workers’ comp?

Yes. Union electricians — including IBEW Local 134, Local 697, and Local 9 members — are covered the same as non-union employees. Learn more here: Union workers.

Can I file a lawsuit in addition to workers’ comp?

Sometimes. If a subcontractor, property owner, general contractor, or equipment manufacturer contributed to the accident, you may have both a workers’ comp claim and a third-party personal injury case.

What if Sedgwick or my employer denies the claim?

Denied claims can often be appealed before the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. Insurance carriers frequently dispute shock injuries and permanent restrictions. We help electricians challenge denials and fight for full benefits.

No matter who caused the electrical accident — including yourself — you may still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in Illinois. Our Chicago electrician injury attorneys at McHargue & Jones, LLC are here to protect your rights, push back against delay tactics, and pursue the full benefits you deserve so you can focus on treatment and recovery.

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Millions of Dollars Recovered for Injured Victims

Nearly Two Decades of Experience

No Fees Unless We Win

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