Electrocution Injury from a Defective Product: Who Is Liable?

Electrocution injuries resulting from defective products are a serious concern, leading to severe burns, neurological damage, and even fatalities. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. When a product malfunctions and causes an electrical injury, determining who is liable becomes a critical question. This blog post explores the legal avenues available to victims of electrocution injuries caused by defective products, helping them understand their rights and potential paths to compensation.

The Shocking Truth: Defective Products and Electrocution Risks

When you purchase a new electronic device or appliance, you expect it to function safely. Unfortunately, some manufacturers release poorly designed or defectively manufactured products into the market, exposing unsuspecting consumers to potential harm. These defects can lead to electrical shocks, fires, and electrocution injuries.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of fires start with consumer electrical products every year, causing injury, death, and property damage. Between 2007 and 2009, consumer products were associated with an average of 70 electrocution fatalities per year. It is therefore essential to understand your rights if you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product.

Establishing Liability in Electrocution Cases

Electrocution cases often fall under personal injury law and may involve claims for negligence, product liability, or premises liability.

Negligence: Negligence is a primary factor in many electrocution cases. It occurs when someone fails to act with reasonable care, such as landlords neglecting to repair faulty wiring, employers failing to provide proper training or safety equipment, or manufacturers producing defective electrical products.
Product Liability: If a defective product causes an electrocution injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or seller may be held liable. Common defects include poorly designed appliances, faulty wiring, or substandard electrical components.
Premises Liability: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe premises. If an electrocution accident occurs due to hazardous conditions on a property, the owner may be responsible for paying damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Several parties can potentially be held liable for an electrocution injury resulting from a defective product:

Manufacturers: Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumers. If a product has a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or lacks adequate safety warnings, the manufacturer can be held liable for resulting injuries.
Distributors: Distributors can be held liable if they knew or should have known about a product’s defect and failed to take steps to prevent it from reaching consumers.
Retailers: Retailers can be held liable if they sell a defective product, especially if they fail to inspect the product or warn consumers about potential hazards.
Property Owners: If the electrocution occurs on someone else’s property due to faulty wiring or other electrical hazards, the property owner may be liable.
Employers: In workplace electrocution cases, the employer may be liable if they failed to provide a safe working environment or proper safety equipment.

Types of Product Defects

Product defects typically fall into three categories:

Design Defects: A design defect occurs when the product’s design is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly.
Manufacturing Defects: A manufacturing defect occurs when a product deviates from its intended design during the manufacturing process.
Failure to Warn: A failure to warn defect occurs when a product lacks adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards.

Proving Your Case: Elements of a Product Liability Claim

To win an electrocution lawsuit in Maryland, you must establish the following legal elements:

Duty of Care: The defendant owed the victim a duty of care to prevent foreseeable harm.
Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty by acting negligently or failing to act reasonably.
Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused the victim’s injuries.
Damages: The victim suffered actual damages as a result of the injuries.

Evidence Needed to Support Your Claim

Proving negligence requires demonstrating that the defendant’s actions or inactions fell below the accepted standard of care. This often involves presenting evidence such as:

Accident Scene Photos and Videos: Visual documentation of the accident scene, including the electrical equipment and surrounding environment.
Medical Records: Detailed medical records documenting the victim’s injuries and treatment.
Witness Statements: Testimony from individuals who witnessed the accident or have knowledge of the circumstances leading to it.
Expert Testimony: Expert witnesses, such as electricians or engineers, can provide specialized knowledge to explain the cause of the electrocution and establish the defendant’s negligence.

The Role of Expert Witnesses

In electrocution cases, expert witnesses play a pivotal role in helping the court understand the technical aspects of the incident. Their specialized knowledge and expertise are crucial in establishing facts, determining liability, and providing clarity on complex issues.

Expert witnesses can conduct thorough technical analyses of the electrical systems and equipment involved in the incident, assessing whether there were any defects, failures, or violations of industry standards. They can also help determine the cause of the electrocution, whether it was due to faulty wiring, inadequate insulation, equipment malfunction, or other factors, establishing a causal link between the alleged negligence and the harm suffered.

Compensation for Electrocution Injuries

If you have been injured due to a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages, including:

Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to your inability to work.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress you have experienced as a result of your injuries.
Property Damage: Compensation for any property that was damaged as a result of the electrocution.
Punitive Damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for egregious conduct.

Common Causes of Electrocution

Electrocution injuries can result from a variety of factors, including:

Damaged or faulty electrical equipment
Failure to conduct routine maintenance
Improper repairs to electrical systems or equipment
Improperly covered electrical sockets
Lack of proper insulation
Safety standard violations
Building code violations
Missing safety gears for workers
Direct contact with energized equipment

Recent Recalls and Warnings

The CPSC regularly issues recalls and warnings about defective products that pose an electrocution risk. For example, in January 2026, the CPSC recalled over 1,000 HEZI brand power strips sold on Amazon, eBay, Kmart.com, and Sears.com due to the risk of serious injury or death from electrocution. Consumers are advised to stop using these products immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund.

What to Do If You’ve Been Electrocuted by a Defective Product

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, it’s important to take the following steps:

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if the injury appears minor, electrocution can cause internal damage that isn’t immediately visible.
Document the Incident: Take photos of the scene, including any faulty equipment, exposed wires, or hazardous conditions.
Report the Incident: If the injury occurs at work, report it to your employer and file a formal accident report.
Consult an Attorney: Electrocution injuries can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term complications. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Navigating the complexities of a product liability claim can be challenging. An experienced attorney can help you:

Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
Identify all potentially liable parties.
Negotiate with insurance companies.
File a lawsuit and represent you in court, if necessary.

Final Thoughts

Electrocution injuries from defective products can have devastating consequences. If you or a loved one has been injured, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and take action to protect yourself. By seeking medical attention, documenting the incident, and consulting with an experienced attorney, you can increase your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.