Electric Shocks: Accidents, Injuries, and Legal Options

If you have experienced an electric shock, either at home or the workplace, you understand how painful it can be, and it may leave you wondering about the long-term consequences. 

Electric shock injuries can have devastating effects, ranging from minor burns to severe neurological damage, cardiac arrest, or even death. Medical bills, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life can all be overwhelming.

Electric shock injuries can come from the negligence of another party that didn’t take all the proper precautions, but understanding the rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed is a difficult task, especially when you’re weighed down by economic damage and emotional stress.

What Is an Electric Shock Injury?

An electric shock injury occurs when an electrical current passes through the body. The severity of the injury depends on factors such as the voltage, duration of exposure, pathway of the current through the body, and overall health of the victim. Some common causes of electric shock include:

• Faulty wiring
• Defective electrical appliances
• Power line accidents
• Workplace hazards
• Negligent property maintenance

What Should You Do if You or Someone Else Is Electrocuted?

If you or someone else is electrocuted, follow these steps immediately to ensure safety and get medical help:

1. Do Not Touch the Victim

If the person is still in contact with the electrical source, do not touch them, or you could also get electrocuted.

2. Cut Off the Power

Unplug the device or switch off the circuit breaker if possible. If you can't turn off the power, use a non-conductive object (such as a wooden stick, rubber glove, or dry cloth) to push the electrical source away from the person.

3. Call 911 Immediately

Even if the person appears fine, electric shocks can cause internal injuries or delayed symptoms.

4. Check for Breathing and Pulse

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately until medical help arrives. If they have a pulse but are not breathing, perform rescue breathing.

5. Treat Burns and Injuries

Electrical burns can be severe; cover them with a sterile, dry cloth but do not apply ointment or ice. If the person has fallen or been thrown by the shock, check for fractures or head injuries and keep them still.

6. Watch for Signs of Shock

Keep the person warm and lying down if they feel faint, weak, or confused.

7. Seek Medical Attention

Even if the person seems okay, electrical injuries can cause heart issues, nerve damage, and internal burns that may not be immediately visible.

8. Contact Morgan & Morgan

If you think negligence led to an otherwise avoidable accident, contact Morgan & Morgan for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. Before signing anything or accepting insurance settlements, make sure an experienced attorney provides you an honest outlook of what you may be entitled to.

Where Does Electric Shock Happen?

Electrocution occurs most commonly in three places:

• The home, specifically appliances, outlets, and wiring if your electrician hasn’t followed procedures for a safe and effective installation.
• At work, especially for electricians and construction workers. Electric shock is a common injury and responsible for 8% of deaths in the construction field. 
• Anywhere there are faulty electrical products, negligent installation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure, or downed power lines. 

What Are the Most Common Ways to Get Shocked?

Our bodies are naturally efficient conductors and an electric shock happens when electricity travels through a human conductor in a closed circuit. That means electric shock happens when a person is touching both wires of an electric circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, a metal part of equipment, or an electrified device.

Unfortunately, this is a common scenario for workers and they are the most likely to get shocked. Here’s how:

• Contact with an overhead power line. Typically when equipment that is accidentally energized is touched. This includes ladders, tools, or vehicles. 
• Improperly installed machinery. 
• Old or compromised power tools that are defective or not maintained.

Common Types of Electric Shock Injuries

Electric shock injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries include:

Burns

Electrical burns are among the most frequent injuries resulting from electric shock. They can occur at the point of contact and along the pathway of the electrical current. These burns can damage skin, muscles, and internal organs, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Cardiac Arrest

Electric currents can interfere with the heart's normal rhythm, potentially causing cardiac arrest. This condition requires immediate medical attention, and in many cases, can be fatal.

Neurological Damage

Electric shock can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as memory loss, seizures, numbness, and even paralysis. Long-term neurological impairments may require ongoing medical care and therapy.

Muscle and Nerve Damage

Electrical currents can cause involuntary muscle contractions, leading to fractures, dislocations, and other physical trauma. Nerve damage may result in chronic pain or loss of motor function.

Internal Organ Damage

Severe electric shocks can cause internal injuries, including damage to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. These injuries can be difficult to diagnose immediately, making medical evaluation crucial after an electric shock incident.

Fall From Heights

Falling is common with electric shock. When someone comes into contact with live electricity their muscles can contract violently, thus making them lose balance or be thrown back from the electrical source. A fall can result in head trauma, back and neck injuries, and cuts and abrasions. 

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Electric Shock?

For some, there is more than just the injury of the initial shock. There can be progressive symptoms such as tingling, confusion, loss of consciousness, or cardiac arrest. 

Piling medical bills and lost wages due to pain, suffering, and emotional stress can have a serious, and even long-term impact on the quality of life for a victim and their family. 

Filing a Claim for Electric Shock Injuries

Victims of electric shock injuries may be entitled to compensation for their losses. A personal injury claim can help cover:

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages (if the injury prevents the victim from working)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress)
• Long-term care costs (if the injury results in permanent disability)

See if We Can Help: Get a Free Case Evaluation With Morgan & Morgan

Experiencing electric shock can be an excruciating experience, but understanding your options can alleviate mental anguish. From understanding the rules and regulations to determining negligence, Morgan & Morgan can help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life.

If you want help navigating the legal ramifications of electric shock due to negligence, contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation.