Fencing Contractor Injured By Live Cable

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

How to Claim for a Burn Injury from an Underground Cable at Work in England and Wales

The severity of burns at work has been highlighted after a Manchester contractor suffered an electric shock and burns. A burn injury caused by an underground cable at work is often considered one of the most serious workplace accidents. If you’ve suffered this type of injury due to employer negligence at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Typically, personal injury compensation covers not only pain and suffering, but also lost earnings, medical treatment and even the long-term impact on your life.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), their investigation into the incident showed the fencing contractor was part of a team installing security fencing in Manchester. The contractor was using a breaker to prepare the ground for metal fencing when he struck a live cable and suffered multiple burn injuries.

The HSE found that the fencing company had ‘failed to implement suitable and sufficient controls to prevent risk from underground services’.

Our blog looks at why a burn injury at work is serious, what to do if this has happened to you and what to do next to claim compensation.

What You Should Do Immediately After a Burn Injury from an Underground Cable

Your actions in the minutes and hours after the accident can make a big difference to the strength of your claim. Here are the immediate steps to take:

Report the accident: Notify your employer and ensure the incident is recorded in the company’s accident book. This creates a formal record.

Seek medical attention: Electrical and thermal burns can often worsen over time. Medical notes become key evidence.

Gather evidence: Photos of the site, PPE, exposed cables, and your injuries, as well as any CCTV footage of the accident.

Identify witnesses: Their statements can confirm what happened.

Request a copy of the RIDDOR report: Underground cable strikes are often reportable incidents.

Who Is Responsible for Your Burn Injury?

Liability for underground cable burn injuries usually falls into one of the following three categories:

• Employer negligence: Failing to provide training, PPE, or safe systems of work.
• Contractor or subcontractor negligence: Common on construction, utilities, and civil engineering sites.
• Utility company liability: If cables were incorrectly marked, mapped, or maintained.

Some underground cable burn claims  may involve multiple defendants, especially on multi‑contractor sites. This does not weaken your case, if anything, this may strengthen your claim because insurers often negotiate faster when liability is shared.

Why Underground Cable Burn Injuries Are So Serious

Burns from underground cables are typically caused by:

• Electrical arcing
• Explosions from damaged cables
• Thermal burns from high‑voltage contact
• Flash burns from sudden ignition

These injuries often require long‑term treatment, including skin grafts, physiotherapy, and psychological support. That’s why compensation awards for cable‑related burns tend to be higher than for other workplace injuries.

How to Start a Compensation Claim for an Underground Cable Burn Injury

Here’s the step‑by‑step process:

Speak to a specialist solicitor: We partner with solicitors who are highly experienced in work-accident related claims who offer a free consultation to assess your case.

Provide your evidence: Photos, medical notes, witness details, and accident reports.

Your solicitor investigates liability: They contact employers, contractors, and insurers.

Medical assessment arranged: Independent experts assess your injuries and long‑term prognosis.

Negotiation and settlement: Most cases settle out of court.

Court proceedings if needed: Rare, but sometimes necessary.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation for underground cable burn injuries usually includes:

• General damages: Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
• Special damages:  Financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment and rehabilitation as well as travel expenses to medical appointments. It may also cover specialist burn treatment.

Top Tip: Burn injuries may often also attract future care claims, even if you regain independence. This includes help with dressing changes, scar management, and psychological support.

Why Underground Cable Burn Claims Are Different from Other Burn Injury Claims

So, what makes underground cable burn claims unique:

• High‑voltage risk: Injuries can often be more severe than surface‑level burns.
• Complex liability: Multiple contractors and utility companies may be involved.
• Mandatory safety protocols: Employers must follow cable‑avoidance training, and safe‑digging procedures.
• Mapping and detection duties: Employers are required to use CAT scanners, GPR, and updated utility plans.

Common Causes of Underground Cable Burn Injuries

• Failure to locate cables before excavation
• Inadequate training in cable‑avoidance tools
• Incorrect or outdated utility plans
• Damaged or poorly maintained cables
• Lack of PPE such as arc‑flash protection

FAQs: Claiming for a Burn Injury from an Underground Cable While At Work

What is employer negligence in the UK?

Employer negligence is when your employer fails to take reasonable steps to keep you safe, for example, not training you properly or failing to locate underground cables before work begins.

What if I’m a subcontractor or self‑employed?

You can still claim. The main contractor or site operator usually owes you a duty of care.

Can I claim if I didn’t receive proper training?

Yes. Lack of training in safe digging or CAT scanner use is a clear breach of duty.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You normally have three years from the date of the accident, or from the date you became aware of the injury.

Do I need to go to court?

Most claims settle without a hearing.

How much compensation will I receive?

It depends on severity, recovery time, scarring, psychological impact, and financial losses.

Key Takeaways: How To Claim After a Burn Injury from Underground Cable

• Burn injuries from underground cables are generally regarded as serious, preventable, and may often involve clear breaches of safety law.
• You can claim compensation whether you’re an employee, subcontractor, or agency worker.
• Evidence, medical records, and expert legal support are essential.
• Compensation can cover pain, suffering, lost income, treatment, and long‑term care.
• These claims may involve multiple defendants, which can strengthen your case.

How We Can Help After a Burn Injury at Work

We will guide you through the claims process. We partner with experienced lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact our team today at 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation.