Electric Shock Injury Lawsuits: What You Need to Know to File a Claim

Electric shock injuries can be devastating, leading to severe burns, neurological damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 2,690 non-fire electrical injuries occurred in the United States between 2014 and 2018. If you or a loved one has suffered an electric shock injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. This guide provides essential information on electric shock injury lawsuits and the steps you need to take to file a claim.

Understanding Electric Shock Injuries

An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source, causing an electric current to pass through the body. The severity of the injury depends on several factors, including:

Type of Current: Alternating current (AC) is generally more dangerous than direct current (DC).
Voltage: High voltage (over 500 volts) causes more severe injuries than low voltage.
Amperage: The amount of electrical current flowing through the body.
Pathway: The path the current takes through the body (e.g., through the heart, muscles, or brain).
Duration: The length of time the body is in contact with the electrical source.
Health Condition: The victim’s prior health and medical condition.

Common causes of electric shock injuries include:

Contact with power lines or electrical arc flashes.
Accidental contact with exposed electrical sources.
Faulty electrical wiring, installations, and repairs.
Defective electrical products and appliances.
Improper use of extension cords and outlets.
Contact with metal or other conductive materials exposed to electrical current.

Common Injuries Resulting from Electric Shock

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

Burns: Electrical burns can be external and internal, ranging from mild to severe. There are three types of electrical burns: arc burns, thermal contact burns, and electrical burns.
Neurological Damage: Electric shock can cause seizures, cognitive deficits, memory loss, and other neurological problems.
Cardiac Arrest: Electrical current can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest.
Muscle Pain and Contractions: Severe shocks can cause powerful muscle contractions, leading to joint dislocations and fractures.
Amputation: In severe cases, electric shock can damage tissues and blood vessels, leading to the need for amputation.
Internal Organ Damage: Electricity can damage internal organs, such as the kidneys and lungs.
Death: Electrocution, or death caused by electric shock, is a tragic outcome of severe electrical injuries.

Even a mild electric shock warrants medical attention to check for internal damage.

Who is Liable for Electric Shock Injuries?

Determining liability in an electric shock injury case depends on the specific circumstances of the accident. Potentially liable parties may include:

Property Owners and Landlords: They have a legal obligation to ensure their properties are safe for occupants and visitors. Failure to repair exposed wiring or outdated systems can make them liable.
Employers: Construction sites and other workplaces pose heightened risks for electrical injuries. Employers must provide a safe working environment and ensure employees are properly trained.
Manufacturers: If an electric shock is caused by a defective product, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be liable.
Contractors and Electricians: Negligent third parties, such as contractors or electricians who fail to follow proper safety measures, can be held liable.
Utility Companies: If a utility company didn’t maintain their power lines, they might be considered negligent.

Grounds for Filing an Electric Shock Injury Lawsuit

An electric shock injury lawsuit seeks compensation for losses and injuries caused by another party’s negligence. To win a lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove the following elements:

Duty of Care: The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligence.
Causation: The defendant’s negligence was a substantial factor in causing the plaintiff’s harm.
Damages: The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the injury.

Types of Electric Shock Injury Lawsuits

Negligence: Most electric shock accident claims are based on negligence. The negligent party is responsible for any damages caused by their wrongful actions.
Premises Liability: Property owners or occupiers can be sued if someone is injured by an electric shock due to unsafe conditions on the property, such as exposed wiring or faulty electrical systems.
Product Liability: If an electric shock is caused by a defective product, the injured party might file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer.
Workplace Accidents: Electric shocks occurring at work can lead to workers’ compensation claims or, in certain cases, personal injury lawsuits.
Wrongful Death: If an electric shock results in a fatality, the victim’s family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible parties, seeking damages for their loss.

Damages Recoverable in an Electric Shock Injury Lawsuit

Compensation won through an electric shock lawsuit can cover a victim’s injuries, harms, and losses. Damages may include:

Medical Expenses: This includes past and future medical bills, emergency treatment, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical supplies.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost earnings from missed work and future loss of earnings if the injury prevents the victim from returning to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for activities the victim can no longer participate in due to the injury.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, protection, affection, and support.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be available when the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious.
Funeral and Burial Expenses: In wrongful death cases, damages may include funeral and burial costs.

Steps to Take After an Electric Shock Injury

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you don’t see a physical injury, an electric shock might cause internal damage. Call 911 or your local emergency number if the injured person has severe burns, confusion, difficulty breathing, heart rhythm problems, cardiac arrest, muscle pain and contractions, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
Ensure Safety: Turn off the source of electricity if possible. If not, use a dry, nonconducting object made of cardboard, plastic, or wood to move the source away from you and the injured person.
First Aid: Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing, or movement. Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage or a clean cloth.
Document the Incident: Take photos of the accident scene, the source of the electricity, and any visible injuries.
Gather Information: Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Consult an Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Statute of Limitations

Each state has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In California, an electrical injury claim has a two-year statute of limitation, including claims arising from death. In Pennsylvania, the limit is generally two years from the date of the accident. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney to determine the applicable statute of limitations in your state and ensure your claim is filed within the deadline.

Finding the Right Attorney

Choosing the right attorney is crucial to the success of your electric shock injury lawsuit. Look for an attorney with experience in handling electric shock injury cases, a proven track record of success, and a commitment to providing personalized attention to your case.

Conclusion

Filing an electric shock injury lawsuit can be a complex process, but understanding your legal rights and options is the first step toward seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an electric shock, don’t hesitate to consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.