Samuel Ward Died In Electrocution Accident At Constellation Energy Clinton Power Plant

Industrial Accident - November 16, 2025

Samuel Ward, 29, of Decatur, Died in Accident While Working on Electrical Transformer at Constellation Energy Clinton Power Plant

CLINTON, ILLINOIS (November 16, 2025) – A worker identified as Samuel Ward has tragically died in a workplace electrocution accident at Constellation Energy Clinton Power Plant.

Clinton officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:00 p.m. on Friday. Samuel Ward was working on an electrical transformer when the accident took place.

The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unknown. Firefighters and first responders were called to the scene to help the victim.

Despite life-saving measures, Samuel Ward died due to the severe nature of his injuries. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability for Clinton Electrocution Accidents

Employers in Illinois have a legal obligation to protect their workers from foreseeable sources of harm. Pursuant to the Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Act (820 ILCS 219/), “Every public employer must provide reasonable protection to the lives, health, and safety of its employees and must furnish to each of its employees employment and a workplace which are free from recognized hazards that cause or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to its employees.” Several measures should be taken to protect workers from electrical hazards.

• Hazard Assessment: Employers should conduct a hazard assessment to identify all equipment that could potentially injure workers.
• De-energize: OSHA guidelines require that transformers and other electrical equipment be de-energized before work is performed.
• Training: Workers should be trained to follow OSHA guidelines for lockout/tagout procedures.
• Safe Distance: Employers should install barricades in certain locations and take other measures to prevent workers from coming into contact with high-voltage equipment.

When a worker is injured or killed in Illinois, they or surviving family members will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. This is a no-fault insurance scheme designed to help workers, regardless of who may be considered negligent. In addition to workers’ compensation, an injured worker may have recourse through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to the accident.

Third-Party Liability for Illinois Electrocution Accidents

Many workers are seriously injured or killed in electrocution accidents every year. According to TDI, “Electrocution accounted for about 8% of construction worker deaths in 2021. Among the electrocution risks on construction sites are exposed wiring and wet conditions near outlets; contact with overhead power lines; energized conductors or circuit parts; poorly maintained power tools and cords; and lightning strikes.” There could be several sources of third-party liability for any workplace electrocution accident.

• Equipment Manufacturer: The company that manufactured any piece of equipment could face liability if a design or manufacturing defect causes it to be hazardous. For example, a transformer may have adequate insulation or a safety interlock.
• Site Owner: A property owner or general contractor could face liability if they failed to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition.
• Utility Company: A utility provider could face assembly or responsibility for an accident if grid conditions created a hazardous environment for workers.

Many lawsuits have been filed after workers were injured or killed after being electrocuted by equipment. Consider, for example, McGill v. Illinois Power Co. A worker was installing a roof on a shed, but they were injured after coming into contact with electrical lines that were poorly insulated. Any person injured in an electrocution accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim. This right extends to the surviving family members of any person who dies in the workplace.

Investigating Illinois Electrocution Accidents

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Samuel Ward. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar tragedies can be prevented. Many questions remain unanswered. What is the safety record at Constellation Energy Clinton Power Plant? Was the worker provided with adequate protective equipment?

Do you need more information about an Illinois electrocution accident? Our team of workplace safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.