Seth Durand Killed In Grand Ridge Electrocution Accident While Installing Gutter
Wrongful Death - July 23, 2022
Seth Durand, of Roanoke, Died In Grand Ridge Power Line Electrocution Accident While Installing Aluminum Gutter At Home On The 1400 block of North 1659th Road Not Far From Streator
GRAND RIDGE, ILLINOIS (July 22, 2022) – Five workers were electrocuted and one man identified as Seth Durand, 22, has died in an accident while installing gutter at a Grand Ridge home.
Sangamon County officials are saying that the accident took place on Tuesday. Seth Durand was one of five workers who were each on aluminum ladders as they were installing an aluminum gutter.
The gutter apparently came into contact with a power line which caused it to become energized. All five workers were electrocuted and fell nearly 25 feet before hitting the ground.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help all of the victims. Two workers were transported to the hospital with moderate injuries and three workers were transported in critical condition.
Seth Durand spent one week in the hospital, but doctors and medical staff were not able to save him. He was pronounced dead on July 19.
The LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office and OSHA are currently investigating the accident.
Liability In Grand Ridge Electrocution Accidents
Electrocutions are a major hazard and source of death for workers in the United States. According to the Safety and Health Magazine, “In 2020, 126 U.S. workers suffered fatal electrical injuries, a 24% decrease from the previous year, but nonfatal electrical injuries involving days away from work increased 17% over that same span.” Nearly half, 44%, of all electrical fatalities involved workers in construction. Another 20% involved workers in installation, maintenance and repair. There are a number of common causes of electrical accidents.
- Missing ground-fault protection
- Misuse of extension cords
- Malfunctioning electrical equipment
- Lack of safety training
- Lack of equipment training
- Unsafe work areas
Workers in Illinois are protected by a number of laws. When they are injured on the job, they will typically have recourse through worker’s compensation. This also applies to the family of worker’s killed on the job. Worker’s compensation in Illinois is based on a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker or their family to demonstrate negligence. Depending on the facts of any case, the family of a deceased worker may be able to seek aid through a third party liability claim.
A third party liability claim may be possible when an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident. For example, a utility company that owned power lines could be liable if a worker is electrocuted. Many utility companies are required to de-energize electrical lines when they are given a work order notice to do so. Power lines could have also lacked proper insulation. A general contractor could also be liable for an electrocution accident if a workplace was in a dangerous condition. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any workplace accident.
- Safety training protocols should be reviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Any power lines involved in an accident should be inspected.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any worker that died in an accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and funeral expenses. If a worker survived for some period after an accident and later died, family members may also be able to pursue a survival action claim. Sadly, though, utility companies and general contractors will often fight hard to deny liability for any accident. This is why it is so crucial that evidence is properly preserved and protected.
Investigating A Grand Ridge Electrocution Accident
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of Seth Durand. It is our sincere hope that the four other workers will be able to make a full recovery. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. Safety should always be the number one priority for every company. But far too often expediency and profits are given priority in a way that puts workers needlessly at risk.
Do you need more information about a Grand Ridge electrocution accident? Our team of worker’s rights advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that worker’s are aware of their rights and that employer’s are doing everything in their power to keep their workforce safe. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.
