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Although not a common injury, when an electric shock injury occurs, it can be the cause of turmoil, both for you and for your family. Between medical appointments, hospital bills and insurance calls, it can be downright overwhelming. When you find you are in need of financial relief and legal representation for your injuries, it’s time to call Goldberg & Loren.
Our electric shock injury lawyers have over 30+ years representing clients with personal injuries, and we are ready to represent you.
Causes of Electric Shock Injuries
In 2020, there were 126 electrical fatalities and 2,220 non-fatal electrical injuries involving days away from work, as reported by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). [1]
For construction workers, the risk of electrical shock injuries is particularly high. [2] They are often exposed to electrical current due to the nature of their work, such as working with electrical wiring. Electric shock injuries can be devastating and life-altering, often resulting in severe physical and psychological trauma. Here are some of the ways these devestating accidents occur:
- Contact with Power Lines: Accidental or inadvertent contact with overhead power lines, typically during construction or maintenance work, can result in electrical shocks. The high voltage running through these lines can cause severe injuries or even be fatal.
- Defective Electrical Equipment: Malfunctioning tools, appliances, or machinery can expose users to electrical currents, leading to shocks. This can be due to faulty wiring, inadequate insulation, or other manufacturing defects. Individuals who come into contact with such equipment can suffer from severe burns, organ damage, or other physical injuries.
- Faulty Wiring: Aging or improperly installed wiring can pose a significant risk. When electrical currents pass through compromised wiring, it can lead to shocks. This is particularly common in older buildings that have not undergone proper electrical maintenance.
- Negligence: Negligence by property owners or construction workers can also contribute to electric shock injuries. Failure to maintain and inspect electrical systems, neglect of safety regulations, and inadequate training can increase the risk of accidents. In these cases, property owners or construction workers may be held liable for the injuries caused by their negligence.
Types of Electric Shock Injuries
The types of injuries that can result from electric shocks are wide-ranging and can have long-term consequences. Here are some common types of electrocution injuries:
- Electrical Burns: When an electric current passes through the body, it can cause electrical burns. These burns occur at the point where the current enters and exits the body, resulting in skin damage and tissue destruction. Electrical burns can range from mild to severe, depending on the intensity and duration of the shock.
- Nerve Damage: Electrical shocks can also damage nerves in the body. The high voltage of the electrical current can disrupt nerve function, leading to tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, or even paralysis. Nerve damage may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the shock.
- Organ Damage: Electrical shock injuries can have severe implications for internal organs. The electrical current can affect the heart, leading to cardiac arrest or irregular heart rhythms. Other organs, such as the lungs, kidneys, or brain, can also sustain damage due to electrical shocks.
- Secondary Injury: In some cases, electrical shocks can result in severe, life-threatening secondary injuries. Individuals who experience electric shocks may sustain secondary injuries due to the physical impact of their reactions, such as falling or being thrown.
Who Can Be Held Liable for an Electric Shock Injury?
Several parties can potentially be held liable for an electric shock injury, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. Here is a breakdown of who may be held responsible:
- Property Owner or Occupier: If the electric shock occurred on someone else’s property, such as a residence, commercial building, or public space, the property owner or occupier may be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
- Employer: In cases where the electric shock injury occurs in the workplace, the employer may be held liable for failing to provide a safe work environment. Employers have a duty to identify and mitigate electrical hazards, provide adequate training and personal protective equipment to employees working with electricity, and comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and industry standards.
- Contractors and Subcontractors: If the electric shock injury is the result of faulty electrical work performed by contractors or subcontractors, they may be held liable for negligence. Contractors and subcontractors have a duty to perform electrical work according to industry standards and applicable regulations, and failure to do so can result in liability for any resulting injuries.
- Manufacturers and Distributors: If the electric shock injury is caused by a defective electrical product, such as a malfunctioning appliance, power tool, or electrical component, the manufacturer or distributor of the product may be held liable. Manufacturers have a duty to design, manufacture, and distribute products that are safe for their intended use, and failure to do so can result in liability for any injuries caused by defective products.
- Utility Companies: In rare cases, utility companies may be held liable for electric shock injuries if the injury is the result of negligence in maintaining or operating electrical infrastructure, such as power lines, transformers, or substations. Utility companies have a duty to ensure the safety and reliability of their electrical systems to prevent injuries to the public.
Types of Compensation Available for Electric Shock Injury Victims
Electric shock injury victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help them recover from their injuries and cope with the financial and emotional impact of the incident.
Here are the types of compensation available for electric shock injury victims:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses related to the electric shock injury, including hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, assistive devices, and any other necessary medical treatment.
- Lost Income: Both past and future income are lost as a result of missed work days, reduced work hours, or disability resulting from the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the electric shock injury.
- Disability and Impairment: Permanent disabilities, impairments, or disfigurement resulting from the electric shock injury including the loss of mobility, loss of limb function, scarring, or other long-term physical limitations.
- Loss of Consortium: The loss of companionship, intimacy, and support suffered by the victim’s spouse as a result of the electric shock injury.
- Property Damage: Damage to personal property caused by the electric shock incident. This may include damage to electronics, appliances, or other items affected by the electrical malfunction or accident.
- Legal Fees and Costs: In successful electric shock injury cases, the responsible party may be required to cover the victim’s legal fees and litigation costs associated with pursuing compensation. This ensures that victims have access to legal representation without incurring financial hardship.
Compensation for electric shock injuries aims to help victims recover physically, emotionally, and financially from the incident. The specific types and amounts of compensation available will vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the extent of the victim’s injuries and losses.
Statute of Limitations
The Statute of Limitations for electric shock injuries varies depending on the jurisdiction where the incident occurred. In general, the Statute of Limitations sets the time limit within which a victim must file a lawsuit after sustaining an injury.
Here are some key points to consider regarding the Statute of Limitations for electric shock injuries:
- Jurisdictional Differences: Each state or country may have its own Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, including electric shock injuries. The time frame can vary significantly, ranging from one to several years.
- Discovery Rule: In some jurisdictions, the Statute of Limitations may be triggered by the date of discovery of the injury rather than the date of the incident. This rule applies when the injury is not immediately apparent, such as in cases of latent injuries or medical conditions resulting from electric shock.
- Tolling Exceptions: Certain circumstances may toll or suspend the Statute of Limitations, extending the time frame within which a lawsuit must be filed. Examples of tolling exceptions include the victim’s minority (being under the legal age of majority), mental incapacity, or the defendant’s absence from the jurisdiction.
Electric Shock Injury Lawyer
When it comes to electric shock injury cases, having the support of Goldberg & Loren can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
With years of experience in personal injury law, we understand the intricacies of these cases and can provide knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. We will review the evidence, consult with experts, develop a strategic plan tailored to your unique circumstances, and handle all communication with insurance companies, opposing parties, and legal representatives on your behalf.
Our personal injury lawyers are experienced and skilled negotiators with a track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. We understand the importance of adhering to legal deadlines while providing compassionate support and guidance to our clients every step of the way.
When you choose Goldberg & Loren, you can have confidence knowing that you have a dedicated team of attorneys fighting for you. We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve and helping you move forward with your life after an electric shock injury. Contact our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.
Sources:
[1] Workplace Injury & Fatality Statistics – Electrical Safety Foundation. (2024, January 16). Electrical Safety Foundation. https://www.esfi.org/workplace-safety/workplace-injury-fatality-statistics/
[2] Preventing Electrocution of Construction Contract Workers | Blogs | CDC. (2019, February 8). https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2019/02/08/electrocution-in-construction/
If you or someone you care about was injured due to electrical shock, you might be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Get in touch to see if you have a case.
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