Electrocution accidents, in which a person comes into contact with an electrical current, can cause injury in three ways:
- Cardiac arrest due to the electricity’s effect on the heart;
- Muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction from an electrical current passing through the body; and
- Thermal burns from contact with the electrical source.
Injuries from electrocution accidents can range from burns on the hands or the limbs to death by electrocution, depending on the voltage, type of current — alternating (AC) or direct (DC), and whether it caused cardiac problems, such as heart failure or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Potential injuries include respiratory arrest, neurological problems, spinal cord injury, loss of sensation in the limbs, kidney failure, and musculoskeletal issues such as broken bones and muscle damage.
20% of all electrical injuries occur in children. The incidence is highest in toddlers and adolescents.
If you or someone you love comes into contact with an electrical current, immediately turn off the power source and perform basic life support.
Call 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical treatment, even if the person seems fine. Internal organ damage or cardiac arrhythmia may be present, even if there are no symptoms.
Downed Electrical Lines
One of the most dangerous types of electrocution accidents involve downed power lines in residential communities. The voltage of residential power lines is extremely high, and deadly to anyone who comes into contact with them.
If you see a downed power line, that you immediately call authorities. Do not go near or touch the power line.
Workplace Electrocution Accidents
In adults, electrical injuries occur mostly in occupational settings. They are the fourth-leading cause of workplace-related traumatic death. Most fatal electrical injuries occur in the construction industry. When a person has been injured by electricity or electrocuted while working, his or her only remedy may be to seek worker’s compensation benefits. However, in many cases—especially those involving defective electrical products—the injured person or the survivors of fatal electrocution victim can sue the product manufacturer, distributor, and retailer for all the injuries resulting from its defective product.
Electrocution and thermal burns can result in multiple surgeries to repair the damage. In many cases, amputation of a limb may be necessary. Severe electrical injuries are catastrophic injuries that require the best medical care possible, usually at a dedicated burn unit.
Investigating Power Line Electrocution Accidents
For more than 35 years, the lawyers at TorkLaw have been involved in the investigation and representation of victims and families of catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed in an electrical accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to obtain all the monetary compensation you are entitled to. Call us now for a free legal consultation: 888.845.9696.