Electrocution can occur due to any electrical shock, and depending on the amount of electrical voltage will determine the damage. When exposed to high-voltage electricity at a current of (1 A), a person can suffer permanent cell damage and burns. At lower levels of the draft (70 mA to 700 mA), individuals may experience fibrillation in the heart, which will generally require using a defibrillator to restart the heart muscle.

Everything You Need To Know About Getting Paid For Your Electrocution

Statistics And Data On Electrocution

The data and statistics that have been collected show that there are approximately 3,000 people admitted to burn centers annually, and there are about 1,000 electrocution fatalities every year. The data shows that toddlers and adolescents are the largest age group suffering a burn injury or fatality in electrocution incidences.

Certain factors will determine the amount of harm that is suffered during an electrocution accident:

• The level of the voltage that is exposed to the individual.
• The amount of time the contact with the current continues.
• The location the electricity contacts the body and the path the electricity takes through the body.
• Type of current.
• Type of circuit.

Causes of Electrical Shocks or Electrocutions

Some types of electrical shock or electrocution result in damage to the cells, burns, and in some cases, it can lead to death. These include:

• Faulty electrical wiring.
• Contact with an exposed electrical source, such as a defective product or wiring.
• Defective products include microwaves, hair dryers, and other electrical items.
• Contact between metal and electricity, such as a ladder contacting exposed electrical current at home, a construction site, or an ungrounded tool contacting exposed wiring.
• Accidental contact with power lines can occur during a car accident or at a construction site.
• Unsafe industrial conditions.
• Unsafe commercial kitchen equipment.
• Electrical arc flashes from power lines.
• Lightning.

Other Danger Zones

• Home: When electrocution occurs in the home, it is generally due to unsafe products, such as malfunctioning appliances, medical devices, power tools, or even children’s products. There can also be faulty repairs or installations resulting in the home’s electrocution dangers.
• Workplace: If electrocution happens in the workplace when there are unsafe working conditions, defective machinery, or tools that malfunction in most situations.
• At a Property: Electrocution incidents can occur at a property if the person visiting is exposed to hazards, dangerous electric wires, and other types of electricity that are unexpected or unseen.

Physical Reaction and Damage from Electrocution

When an individual suffers an electrocution or electrical shock accident, depending on the level of electricity and the location of the body contacted, it can determine the damages done to the person.

These can include:

• Broken bones.
• Headaches.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Weakness.
• Unconsciousness.
• Hearing loss.
• Ruptured eardrums.
• Loss of vision.
• Memory loss.
• Deformity where the contact occurred.
• Severe burns.
• Cardiac arrhythmia.
• Heart fibrillation.
• Cardiac arrest.
• Permanent heart muscle damage.
• Internal organ damage.
• Nerve damage.
• Neuropathy (nerve cells failing to function correctly).
• Loss of cognitive abilities.
• Brain damage.
• Changes in personality or temperament.
• Respiratory failure.
• Spine injury.
• Seizures.
• Renal failure

Types of Organ Damage from Electrocution Injuries

In an electric shock injury or electrocution incident, there can be damage to the organs that include:

• Integumentary System: If a person comes in contact with electricity, the skin and soft tissue are often damaged. They often suffer severe burns, depending on how much current they come in contact with, and burns must have immediate medical attention.
• Musculoskeletal System: During an electrocution incident, the victim is often thrown after a short period of having current going through their body. The injuries caused to the human body by having electric current going through it can cause damage or trauma to the organs and the muscles. This type of damage can result in rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage. The individual who has been harmed should be seen immediately by a trauma team.
• Respiratory System: When an individual is electrocuted, the lungs are generally not damaged. This is because the lungs do not conduct electricity as well as other parts of the body. This does not mean the person cannot suffer respiratory arrest. If the current passes through the chest, it causes a tightening of the muscles in the chest, which can result in respiratory arrest. If the electricity passes through the part of the brain, which controls breathing, it can also result in respiratory arrest.
• Cardiovascular System: Electrocution can directly affect the heart in a way that depending on the amount of electricity, can cause a fluttering of the ventricles, ventricular fibrillation, or a lack of cardiac rhythm. Each of these can result in death if the person does not receive immediate medical treatment.
• Central Nervous System: When an individual is electrocuted, they can suffer head and spinal cord injuries, which are not necessarily due to the current going through the body. Instead, it is when they are thrown away from the source of the electric current, especially if they are thrown from a height, like being thrown from a ladder.

There can be ongoing complications after being electrocuted and having damage to the central nervous system, which can include:

• Psychiatric issues like anxiety and depression.
• Seizures.
• Delayed spinal cord injuries.

Treatment of Electrocution Injury

The person who suffers this type of injury should have immediate medical attention, even if the harm is not extensive. Individuals who survive this harm may have a painful and lengthy recovery time. Medical attention is necessary immediately and for an ongoing amount of time, especially if permanent damage to the body exists. Death from being shocked remains a real risk.

Parties Who Can be Responsible for Electrocution Injuries

When an individual, employer, or company is irresponsible in ensuring the safety of consumers, workers, or visitors, they can be held liable for their negligence if a person suffers an electric shock or electrocution accident due to their actions or by not acting. Some laws ensure the victim or the family of a loved one is fatally electrocuted to protect their rights and hold the negligent party accountable.

These laws include:

• Workers Compensation law.
• Personal injury law and negligence.
• Premises liability law.
• Product liability law.

Suppose you or a loved one has been a victim of an electric shock or electrocution incident caused by the negligence of another. In that case, it remains essential to contact a personal injury attorney. Most of all, this is a legal advocate who can assist you in recovering compensation. Now you can get paid for past and future medical expenses, loss of wages, permanent disability, and other damages.

The bottom line is that one must consult a qualified legal advocate with negotiation and litigation skills to obtain compensation in electrocution accidents. A superior lawyer does this when clients are overcome with the abovementioned incidents. Strength by your side means victory. If you want to learn more about how to sue for electrocution on the job or elsewhere, call Ehline Law at (213) 596-9642. Feel free to use our website form too.

Here are some additional answers to frequently asked questions:

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  1. Is There A Minimum Personal Injury Settlement Amount?
  2. Can A Judgment Obtained As a Result Of A Wrongful Death Be Discharged In Bankruptcy?
  3. What are 'Survival Statutes' in a Wrongful Death Claim? 
  4. What is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Wrongful Death Claim?
  5. Does a Wrongful Death Settlement Need to Be Shared With All Relatives?
  6. How is the Amount of Damages Determined in a Wrongful Death Case?
  7. Who Can Sue for Wrongful Death?
  8. What is 'Wrongful Death'?
  9. What is included in a bodily injury claim settlement?
  10. How does a prior injury affect the value of my claim?
  11. What does 'preponderance of the evidence' mean in a civil claim?
  12. What is 'subrogation' in a civil claim?
  13. What is 'pain and suffering' in a civil claim?