Tampa, FL — Days After Hurricane Milton, Live Wire Puts Neighbors at Risk

Tampa, FL (October 21st, 2024) – More than a week after Hurricane Milton, neighbors in one community were keeping watch on a downed power line to prevent further damage or injuries. 

Nine days after a power line went down during Hurricane Milton, neighbors say the wire remained live. At least one car accident resulted due to the downed line, and area residents feared it would cause serious injuries to unsuspecting passersby. In addition to reporting the dangerous property condition to authorities, some neighbors kept a watchful eye on the live wire, warning others to stay clear.

What Are the Risks of Downed Power Lines?

When downed due to storms, accidents, or other factors, power lines pose a serious public safety hazard. Some of the risks associated with coming into contact with live wires include:

Electrocution

Electrocution is the most immediate and serious risk associated with downed live wires. When power lines fall, they can become energized and carry dangerous electrical currents. If people come into contact with live wires, the electrical currents can pass through their bodies, causing severe burns, muscle spasms, cardiac arrest, and even death. Downed power lines may carry such currents even if they appear to be dead.

Fires

Especially during dry conditions, downed power lines can also start fires. When these lines fall, the electrical currents can cause sparks that ignite flammable materials, such as grass, brush, or structures. Fires resulting from downed power lines can spread quickly, endangering human life and causing extensive property damage.

Tripping/Falling Hazards

Downed power lines can be difficult to see, particularly at night or when visibility conditions are low. Consequently, people may not see downed power lines and stumble over them. These tripping and falling hazards may be especially dangerous in areas with high foot traffic. Falling near downed power lines can result in ranging injuries, from lacerations or broken bones to head trauma. 

Who Is Responsible for Downed Power Lines?

In Florida, the responsibility for maintaining and repairing power lines, including addressing downed wires, falls to the utility companies that own and operate the state’s electrical infrastructure. The major utility providers in Florida include: Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Tampa Electric Company, and Gulf Power.

Utility companies have a legal duty to make sure their power lines and the related equipment are property installed, inspected, and maintained to avoid failures and downed lines. When storms, fallen trees, or other such causes knock down these lines, the utility provider serving that area is legally obligated to respond in a timely manner.

A representative from the Tampa Electric Company said Milton was the company’s worst outage event ever. Between 600,000 to 840,000 customers lost power. 6,000 linemen came to the state to aid with repairs, but there were still delays in getting to all the affected areas. The lineman finally reached the neighborhood where residents had concerns about a downed power line more than a week after Hurricane Milton. 

Steps to Take After an Incident in Florida

If you encounter a downed power line, or have one in your neighborhood after a major storm during hurricane season, the next steps you take are essential to protect your safety and your legal rights. 

Ensure Immediate Safety

Ensuring your immediate safety, and that of others in the area, is the first priority. You should assume that all downed lines are energized, and therefore, dangerous. It’s advisable to stay at least 35 feet away from live wires, as the currents may travel though the air. If you’re in a vehicle that came into contact with a downed power line, you should stay inside your car unless there is an immediate danger.

Reporting Downed Power Lines

If you see a downed power line, you should call 911 immediately to report it. Additionally, it’s a good idea to contact the local power company to report the hazard and outage. Be prepared to provide clear information about the location of the live wire, as well as any visible damage or dangers.

Seeking Medical Attention

In the event you suffer injuries due to contact with a downed power line, you should seek medical attention right away. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Doing so may help you get the treatment you need and identify injuries that do not immediately appear. Additionally, it establishes a record of your injuries, and links them to the downed power line accident.

Documenting the Incident and Injuries

If it’s safe, and you’re able, it’s helpful to take photos and videos of the downed power line and the surrounding area. You should take note of the weather conditions, the time of day, and any other relevant factors. If there were witnesses to your accident, get their names and contact information. Should the need to pursue a personal injury lawsuit arise, such visual evidence and testimony may help prove liability.

Consulting With a Personal Injury Lawyer 

After an electrical line accident, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced Florida premises liability lawyer. An attorney can help protect your rights and advise you on the best course of action. They may handle communications with the insurance companies and utility providers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on what maters most – your recovery.

Recovering Compensation for Electrical Line Injuries

If you’ve been injured by a downed power line after a hurricane in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your associated losses. A personal injury lawyer may help you pursue a case to recover economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all related medical treatments, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapy.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work for recovery or medical appointments.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for reduced earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to non-economic damages for the physical pain and emotional distress of the incident.

Florida is no stranger to severe weather events, such as Hurricane Milton, or their fallout, including downed power lines. In the event you are injured due to a live wire, however, legal options may be available to help you recover compensation for your losses.

To discuss your electrical line injury, and whether you have a case for compensation, call our team at Magazine & Light Law Group. Pursuing the interests of Floridians like you since 1990, our attorney, Jim Magazine, is board-certified in injury law. To discuss your options, contact us today at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association