Electric Shock and Electrocution Accident Claims

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Introduction

Electric shocks at work can cause serious injuries, including burns, heart damage, nerve injury and in the most severe cases, fatal electrocution. If your accident happened because your employer failed to provide a safe working environment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

This page explains eligibility, employer responsibilities, the evidence you will need and how much you could claim.

  • Around 1,000 workers were injured through contact with electricity between 2021/22 and 2023/24, a rate of 3 per 100,000 workers (Source: WAAC analysis of the HSE LFS data published 12/2024)
  • Electric shock injuries may be caused by faulty wiring, unsafe equipment, live cables or poor training.
  • Employers must follow the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
  • Compensation can cover pain, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs and long-term care.
  • You normally have three years from the accident or diagnosis to start a claim.

After an electric shock, get checked the same day and report your injury. Photograph the scene and any damaged kit. Ask for test results and keep them. Simple evidence like this can help your claim.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

Am I eligible to claim?

You can usually claim if:

  • Your electric shock or electrocution accident occurred in the last 3 years, and
  • Employer negligence, such as poor maintenance, lack of safety procedures, or no training, caused or worsened your injuries, and
  • Medical evidence confirms your injuries were linked to the workplace accident.

Unsure if you qualify? Start here: Do I have a claim and The claim process.

How much compensation can I claim?

Compensation includes two parts:

  • General damages: for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. This covers burns, scarring, heart or nerve damage, and psychological harm such as PTSD. The Judicial College Guidelines provide ranges depending on severity and long-term effects.
  • Special damages: financial losses such as private medical treatment, rehabilitation, transport, prescription costs, lost earnings, future loss of income and care needs.

Keep payslips, medical receipts and rehabilitation invoices to support your claim.

Calculate my claim

Common causes of electric shock accidents

  • Faulty wiring or damaged electrical installations.
  • Defective equipment or lack of regular inspections.
  • Failure to isolate live cables during maintenance work.
  • Lack of training on electrical safety procedures.
  • Absence of or inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

See: HSE: Electrical safety at work.

When is my employer responsible?

Employers have duties under the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 to keep staff safe around electrical hazards. They must:

  • Maintain and regularly test electrical equipment and wiring.
  • Provide lock-off procedures to prevent accidental contact with live systems.
  • Train staff to recognise and avoid electrical hazards.
  • Provide and enforce use of PPE such as insulated gloves and tools.

Failure to do so may make them liable for your injuries. If faulty protective gear was involved, see Inadequate PPE injury claims.

Evidence that strengthens a claim

  • Hospital or GP records detailing burns, shock symptoms, or cardiac complications.
  • Accident book entries and workplace incident reports.
  • Photographs of the defective equipment, wiring or accident site.
  • Witness statements from colleagues who saw the incident.
  • Records of electrical inspections and maintenance.

See How to gather evidence after a work accident for more guidance.

Time limits for electric shock claims

You normally have three years from the date of the accident or when you first realised your injuries were linked to work (the “date of knowledge”). Exceptions apply if you were under 18 or lack capacity. Read more in time limits for starting an injury claim.

FAQs

New to claims? Start with our work injury claim guide, or see the full work injury claim FAQs.

Can I claim if I partly caused the accident?

You may still claim. Your compensation could be reduced if you were partly responsible, known as contributory negligence. See What is contributory negligence?.

What if I was injured by faulty equipment provided by my employer?

Your employer is responsible for maintaining safe equipment. You may have a claim for employer negligence and inadequate PPE.

Will I need a medical assessment?

Yes. An independent medical expert will assess your injuries and provide a report to value your claim. See What happens at a medical appointment.

Call now for free specialist advice

We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

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If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

Call 0800 218 2227 Open at 8am
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About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon