Electrocution Accident
Lawyer

FAQs

• What’s the Difference Between Electrical Shock and Electrocution?

  An electrical shock accident causes non-fatal injuries, while electrocution usually causes death. Both result from exposure to live electrical currents. Electrical shock accidents can be mild or very serious, potentially causing a range of injuries.

  The severity of injuries differs depending on various factors, such as the voltage and amperage, the length of exposure, whether the accident involved alternating or direct current and the person’s overall health condition.

• How Common Are Electrical Shock and Electrocution Accidents?

  These statistics highlight the fact that electrical injuries in the U.S. are a serious issue:

  • Of the approximately 1,000 annual deaths in the U.S. caused by electrical injuries, 400 result from high-voltage exposure, with lightning killing 50-300 people.
  • At least 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock accidents happen yearly.
  • Electrical injuries rank fourth in causing traumatic deaths in the workplace.
  • Children, particularly toddlers and teens, account for around 20% of annual electrical injuries.
  • Around 5% of burn unit patients have electrical injuries.

  One of the saddest aspects of electrocutions and electrical shock accidents is that most of them are preventable.

• Who Is Liable for Electrocutions and Electrical Shock Accidents?

  Many things can happen to cause these accidents and resulting injuries. Liability in these incidents depends on the circumstances, but many times, you can seek compensation for your damages. Who bears responsibility depends on several factors, such as where and why the accident happened and what caused it.

  Some electrical accidents happen when homeowners attempt to DIY various projects in their homes. In most of these cases, that person isn’t eligible to seek compensation. However, some mitigating circumstances could qualify the incident for a valid claim.

  Electrical accident injury claims are often complex, and liable insurance companies may challenge your right to compensation. Contact us at the Mike Morse Law Firm for a free case evaluation, and we will tell you if you qualify. If you have a valid claim, we will gather evidence to support your claim and fight to get you the compensation you are due.

  Workplace Accidents

  For American adults, most of these accidents happen in workplaces due to:

  • Working on or with electrical machinery or power tools
  • Working on power lines or transformers
  • Coming into contact with live wiring
  • Improperly using extension cords or other power outlets
  • Insufficient training

  If you have an electrical accident in the workplace, worker’s compensation benefits should cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. This type of policy usually won’t provide compensation for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

  If your employer blatantly disregarded safety protocols, you may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to your worker’s comp claim.

  Employees are sometimes negligent when working around electricity. However, your employer may still be liable according to vicarious liability principles.

  Your legal team will investigate your accident and explain your legal options for seeking compensation.

  Premises Liability

  If your electrical accident happened on someone else’s property, you may be able to seek compensation from the property owner or manager. Business owners or managers might be liable as well.

  To be eligible, your attorney may need to show that the responsible party failed to address a known dangerous condition. In some cases, it is enough for the hazard to be something that the party should have known about.

  Proving premises liability negligence is often tricky, but the Mike Morse Law Firm has handled many similar claims successfully and knows how to get favorable results.

  Defective Products

  Designers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers have an obligation to provide safe products to their customers. When used as directed, these products should not present a hazard that could injure the user. If a product defect caused your electrical accident, any or all of those parties might share liability for your damages.

• What Kinds of Compensation Can You Get for Electrical Injuries?

  The types of compensation in these cases vary on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your situation, you might seek compensation through a worker’s comp, personal injury or wrongful death claim. You might be able to file more than one kind of claim seeking compensation for things like:

  • Current and future medical expenses and lost wages
  • Replacement services
  • Pain and suffering
  • PTSD
  • Diminished quality of life

  Workers’ comp benefits don’t extend to some of these conditions. Eligible survivors who file a wrongful death claim may receive payment for funeral expenses and the loss of future support.

  When you contact the Mike Morse Law Firm, we will assess your case, tell you what claims you can file and how much money you might receive.

• How Can You Prevent Electrocutions and Electrical Shock Accidents?

  Many electrical accidents are preventable by taking proper precautions, such as:

  • Employers should follow all OSHA guidelines.
  • Disconnect from live wiring when applicable.
  • Double-check that there is no live current before touching wires.
  • Wear protective equipment.
  • Be sure that any person using electrical equipment has proper training.

  In any area, be sure that electrical cords are protected. Children or pets in the home may chew on cords, and tripping over loose cords can cause fall-related injuries or arcs when plugs abruptly disconnect from outlets.

• What Should You Do During and After an Electrical Accident?

  If you sustain injuries due to an electrical accident, accept or seek medical attention immediately. These accidents often produce internal injuries and you’ll need a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of your injuries.

  If you’re able, take photos at the accident scene. Always report the accident to appropriate supervisors if the accident takes place at work or if you’re in a retail or public place. Never admit fault. Contact us at the Mike Morse Law Firm as soon as possible, and we will provide case-specific advice.

  If you witness an electrical accident, there are a few things to remember:

  • Don’t touch anyone who still has contact with a live current with your hands.
  • Stay away from live wires.
  • Disconnect the power source or use a non-conducting material to move the injured person to break the contact.
  • Begin first aid treatment after calling for professional medical assistance.

  Many times, electrical current flowing through the body makes it impossible for the affected person to break contact.