Shocked in Crawlspace 1

[XR250]

Was leaving a crawlspace this morning and did not see an old electrical wire hanging down. It hit me in the neck and was apparently live. Snapped my head back from the shock, but other than that, no issues leaving. My neck is now stiff and it hurts to chew - geez. Anyhow, if this happens to turn into a major injury (hypothetically), would I have recourse against their homeowner's insurance? Just curious.

Thanks

 

[msquared48]

Actually, I believe yes, but talk to a lawyer.

When I was attempting to buy a house recently, the seller wanted me to hold him har(e)mless if any of the inspectors we used got hurt on the premises. I refused to sign and walked away as I had no homeowners to cover such a thing, but he should have.

Perhaps either he did not want to use it, or did not have it either.

Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)

 

[XR250]

Thanks Mike

 

[Ron]

Agree with Mike...but keep in mind that you have a limited time to make such a claim....in some areas as little as 14 days.

 

[FreddyNurk]

Some industries require medical assessment for 24 hours after receipt of shock, or suspected receipt of shock. It'd be worth getting assessed for two reasons, firstly, to ensure that there are no unexpected following issues, and secondly, to allow for any medical reporting to be provided in support of a claim if needed.

 

[hokie66]

I hope you have taken whatever steps are necessary to have the hazard taken care of.

 

[XR250]

Thanks for everyone's advice. I showed the wire to the real estate agent. She is reportedly going to let the owner know.

 

[PEDARRIN2]

If you were there for a professional inspection as a structural engineer, charging for the work, it would be my opinion, you should have insurance to cover you for accidents/injuries sustained on the job.

If you were there, as a friend, checking out the structure of the house, then the individual's homeowner's policy should get a claim against it.

I see no problem requesting that the homeowner not be held liable for injuries incurred while someone is doing their job at their house. I would require any contractor who is doing roofing, or gutter cleaning, or some other professional activity to have their own insurance for injuries/accidents.

 

[XR250]

If you were there for a professional inspection as a structural engineer, charging for the work, it would be my opinion, you should have insurance to cover you for accidents/injuries sustained on the job.

I would agree with you if the incident was foreseen, but it was not. I would also expect a roofer to sue me if he fell through my roof due to an unforeseen structural problem.

 

[TehMightyEngineer]

I see no problem requesting that the homeowner not be held liable for injuries incurred while someone is doing their job at their house. I would require any contractor who is doing roofing, or gutter cleaning, or some other professional activity to have their own insurance for injuries/accidents.

Right but that's if they drive a nail through their foot, fall off, or otherwise hurt themselves. If they hurt themselves by falling off stairs with no handrail (not related to the job) then it was an unsafe condition the homeowner created. I say it goes on the homeowners liability (but I'm no lawyer, just seems fair this way).

Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH, MA)
American Concrete Industries

http://www.americanconcrete.com