An electrical accident occurs when electric current causes injury or property damage. Common types of electricity-related injuries include burns, disruptions to bodily functions, and falls or trauma caused by electricity, which can lead to symptoms ranging from numbness and muscle spasms to cardiac arrest. If someone comes into contact with electricity, call 911 immediately, then, if it is safe to do so, turn off the power or use a non-conductive object to separate the person from the source. Finally, check for breathing and a pulse and provide first aid as needed until help arrives.Victims may be able to pursue claims for pain and suffering compensation or workers’ comp benefits.
A free, no-cost, no-obligation legal consultation with an experienced electrocution lawyer who specializes in helping victims who have been injured after coming into contact with electricity can help you to recover the best possible settlement.
If you want to find out how much your electric shock settlement may be worth, you can also call for free consultation with one of our experienced electrocution attorneys.
What Are Common Types Of Electrical Accident Injuries?
Common types of electrical accident injuries include burns at entry and exit points, disruptions to bodily functions and heart rhythm caused by the current of electricity, flash burns from arc flashes igniting clothing, fall-related injuries from muscle contractions triggered by electricity, and lightning injuries from high-voltage energy traveling across the skin.
What Are The First Aid Steps For Electrical Accident Victims?
Immediate first aid steps for electrical accident victims involve calling 911, ensuring the scene is safe, turning off the power or separating the victim with a non-conductive object, and checking breathing and pulse. Provide CPR or burn care as needed until help arrives. Prompt response can significantly reduce the severity of injuries. Here is more details on those steps:
Ensure your safety
If someone suffers an injury from an electrical accident, your first priority should be safety for both the victim and yourself. Do not touch the person if they are still in contact with the power source, as you could also get shocked. Make sure the power is turned off at the source or use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden stick or plastic item, to move them away from the electricity. Ensuring the scene is safe before providing help is critical to prevent additional injuries.
Once the victim is safely away from the power source, call emergency services immediately. Monitor the person for signs of injury, such as burns, irregular heartbeat, or loss of consciousness, and provide first aid if you are trained to do so. Quick, safe action not only protects everyone involved but also ensures that the victim receives the prompt medical attention necessary for recovery and for documenting injuries in the event of an injury claim.
Call for help
Calling for help after an electrical accident is the most critical step after ensuring the victim’s safety. Immediately dial 911 to summon emergency responders, providing them with detailed information about the location, the nature of the incident, and the victim’s condition. Promptly contacting professionals ensures that trained personnel arrive quickly with the equipment and expertise needed to handle high-voltage injuries safely.
While waiting for help to arrive, keep yourself and others at a safe distance from the power source. Do not touch the victim if they are still in contact with electricity. If it is safe, turn off the power or use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden stick, to separate the person from the source. Staying calm, following dispatcher instructions, and maintaining a clear line of communication with emergency responders can significantly improve the victim’s outcome.
Remove the power source
Removing the power source from an electrical accident victim is a crucial step in preventing further injury. If it is safe to do so, immediately turn off the power at the breaker, fuse box, or outlet. Cutting off electricity at the source ensures that the victim is no longer exposed to the current, reducing the risk of severe burns, cardiac complications, or additional trauma. Always prioritize your own safety first—never touch the victim while they are still in contact with live electricity.
If turning off the power is not possible, carefully use a dry, non-conductive object such as wood, plastic, or cardboard to separate the person from the electrical source. Avoid using metal, wet materials, or any objects that conduct electricity. After the victim is safely removed from contact, check their breathing and pulse and provide first aid, such as CPR or burn care, while waiting for emergency responders to arrive. Acting quickly and safely can significantly improve the victim’s chances of recovery.
Check for vital signs
Checking vital signs is a crucial step after an electrical accident. Once the person is free from the power source, immediately assess their breathing and pulse. This helps determine whether the victim is stable or requires urgent medical intervention. Injuries from electricity can cause disruptions to the heart’s rhythm or respiratory system, so rapid assessment is essential for preventing further complications.
If the victim is not breathing or has no detectable pulse, begin CPR without delay, following standard emergency procedures until trained responders arrive. Even if the victim appears stable, continue to monitor their vital signs closely and be ready to act if their condition changes. Prompt and careful attention to breathing and circulation can significantly improve the chances of recovery after coming into contact with electricity.
Start CPR
Starting CPR is often a life-saving step after an electrical accident. If the victim is not breathing or has no detectable pulse, begin CPR immediately. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, place your other hand on top, and push hard and fast—about 100–120 compressions per minute—allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Proper technique helps maintain blood flow to vital organs until professional help arrives.
If trained, provide rescue breaths in addition to chest compressions using a 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths. Continue CPR until emergency responders take over or the victim starts breathing normally and shows signs of life. Acting quickly and confidently can significantly increase the victim’s chances of survival after severe electric shock or injury.
Treat burns
Treating burns promptly is essential after an electrical accident. If the victim has sustained burns, first ensure they are completely free from the power source. Do not attempt to remove clothing that is stuck to the skin, as this can cause further injury. Cover the burn with a sterile cloth or clean, non-stick dressing to protect the area and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid applying ice, ointments, or greasy substances, which can worsen tissue damage.
Monitor the victim closely while waiting for emergency responders. Keep them calm and still to prevent additional injury, and treat any other injuries, such as shock or fractures, as necessary. Even burns that appear minor may involve deeper tissue damage, so professional medical evaluation is critical. Prompt and careful burn care can significantly improve recovery and reduce long-term complications.
Address shock
Addressing shock is critical after an electrical accident. Shock can occur when the body’s circulatory system fails to deliver adequate blood flow to vital organs, and it may develop even in victims who appear otherwise stable. Signs include pale, clammy skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, dizziness, or confusion. Immediately have the victim lie down on their back, elevate their legs slightly if possible, and keep them warm with a blanket or jacket to help maintain blood flow.
While monitoring the victim, avoid giving food or drink, as medical treatment may require surgery or other interventions. Continue to observe their breathing and pulse, and be ready to start CPR if necessary. Stay with the victim until emergency responders arrive, keeping them calm and reassured. Prompt recognition and care for shock can significantly improve the chances of recovery and reduce complications from an electricity-related injury.
Electrical Accident Causes
The two main causes of electrical accidents are: (1) direct exposure to electricity such as when a person touches a live power line or is injured by an arc flash; and (2) indirect exposure to electricity such as when a current is conducted through water or a metal ladder.
Injuries from electricity are commonly caused by: (1) contact with downed power lines before they have been de-energized; (2) faulty wiring; (3) faulty or malfunctioning electronic equipment; (4) worn out or damaged power cords and power cords; and (5) a failure to use GFCI devices which are designed to stop the flow electricity if there is a change in the flow of current.
Preventing Electrical Accidents
The top strategies for preventing electrical accidents include: (1) never touch a downed power line; (2) stay away from power lines when trimming trees, doing roof work, or cleaning gutters; (3) keep appliances away from water; (4) don’t overload outlets; and (5) always use GFCI outlets and plugs.
A GFCI, or ‘ground-fault circuit interrupter,’ is an essential power safety device because it can prevent shocks or electrocution by cutting off power to an outlet or plug when a fault in the flow of current is detected.
Other ways of preventing incidents with electricity involve: (1) putting covers and plug protectors on outlets in homes with young children; (2) discard and do not use power cords that are frayed or cracked; (3) don’t use plugs where the third prong or “grounding pin” has been removed; (4) use circuit breakers and fuses that are the proper size and rating; (5) don’t overload outlets with too many devices; (6) when doing work on your home or out in your yard, use non-conductive ladders and insulated poles; and (7) hire a qualified electrician to perform all system repairs.
Do I Have A Case If I’m Injured After Coming Into Contact With Electricity?
People who have been injured after coming into contact with electricity may be able to file a lawsuit against the negligent party or parties in order to recover compensation for your pain and suffering as well as money damages to pay for your medical bills and lost wages if you couldn’t work because of your injuries.
What Happens With Electrical Accidents At Work?
Electrical accidents that happen at work may affect your legal claim and compensation. Many states will only allow injured workers to file a Workers’ Comp claim against their employers, thus prohibiting workers from suing for pain and suffering compensation. However, when incidents with electricity at work are caused by someone other than your employer or a co-worker, then you may be able to sue the negligent third-party or third-parties.
Unfortunately, many personal injury lawyers don’t know about this third-party rule so they end up erroneously telling victims injured by electricity that they have no case. Worse yet, many personal injury lawyers are not electrocution specialists, so they may overlook viable third parties who could also be held responsible. They often mistakenly assume that injuries from contact with electricity at work are covered only by Workers’ Compensation. This lack of understanding can cost families dealing with severe injuries from workplace exposure to electricity millions of dollars, because the proper defendants are never identified
That’s why it’s so important to speak with an experienced electrocution attorney after sustaining an electricity-related injury at work
Do I Need A Lawyer If Me Or A Loved One Was Injured In An Electrical Accident?
When electrical accidents result in serious injuries or death, you need a lawyer to protect your legal rights. You need an experienced electrocution lawyer who knows how to handle these cases and who has the resources you’ll need to successfully win against negligent utility and power companies who are responsible for causing harm.
An electrocution lawyer who specializes in cases involving exposure to electricity will know how to identify all responsible parties that other lawyers may miss, as well as the layers of insurance coverage available, helping you secure the fullest and fairest settlement.
An inexperienced attorney won’t know how to avoid the many mistakes that could destroy your case. Also, he or she probably won’t have access to the extensive resources necessary to conduct the investigation, hire the experts and litigate in court as the utility companies and their insurance companies try to “win” by dragging the case out long enough that you can no longer afford to pursue your claim.
These cases are the polar opposite of an ordinary personal injury case.
How Much Does A Lawyer Cost?
It will cost you absolutely nothing unless and until we recover a winning settlement or trial verdict in your case. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is contingent on us winning your case. If we don’t recover, you don’t pay and you owe nothing.
You do not have to pay any costs or expenses up front and you will never pay anything out of pocket. Case costs and expenses are reimbursed upon recovery. Our electrocution attorneys are only paid after your case is successfully won and our fee is paid out as a percentage of the settlement or trial verdict that we win for you.
What Types Of Compensation If Injured In An Electrical Accident?
If you are injured in an electrical accident, there are several types of compensation you may be able to pursue, depending on the circumstances and severity of your injuries:
- Medical expenses – Covers current and future medical bills, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment for complications such as nerve or burn injuries.
- Lost wages – Compensation for income lost due to missed work during recovery or for reduced earning capacity if the injury causes long-term disability.
- Pain and suffering – Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from the incident.
- Property damage – If personal property was damaged in the incident, you may be reimbursed for repairs or replacement.
- Disability or long-term care – If the incident leads to permanent injury, compensation may cover ongoing care, adaptive equipment, or modifications needed to maintain independence.
- Punitive damages – In cases of gross negligence, some claims may include punitive damages meant to punish the responsible party.
What Are The Statutes Of Limitations For Filing A Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit or claim after an injury involving electricity depends on the type of claim and the state where the incident occurred. Generally:
- Personal injury claims – Most states allow 1 to 3 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by negligence, including injuries from incidents with electricity.
- Property damage claims – Typically, 2 to 3 years from the date the damage occurred.
- Workers’ compensation claims – Usually must be filed within 1 to 3 years of the work-related injury, depending on the state. These claims provide benefits for medical treatment, lost wages, and disability without proving fault.
- Wrongful death claims – Typically filed by surviving family members when a fatal electrocution occurs; statutes vary by state but are often 1 to 3 years from the date of death.
- Claims against government entities – Often shorter, sometimes 6 months to 1 year, and may require filing a notice of claim before suing.
What Are The Factors In A Settlement?
Several factors influence an electrical accident settlement. The severity and long-term impact of injuries, including burns, nerve damage, or disability, play a major role, as do current and future medical expenses. Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and the victim’s pain and suffering are also considered. The degree of negligence by the responsible party, quality of evidence such as medical records and incident reports, and the experience of legal representation can all affect the settlement amount. Together, these factors determine the total compensation a victim may receive.
How Long Does A Settlement Take?
The length of time for an electrical accident settlement can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries may settle in a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries, long-term medical care, or disputes over fault can take a year or longer. Factors affecting timing include the extent of medical treatment, negotiations with insurance companies, the need for expert evaluations, and whether the case goes to trial.
Why Choose The Lawyers At Electrocuted.com For My Electrical Accident Case?
Electrical accident cases require specialized legal expertise, and at Electrocuted.com, this is our exclusive focus. We handle lawsuits involving electricity-related injuries and electrocution deaths caused by defective products, faulty wiring, or inadequate safety measures. Our exclusive focus gives us a deep understanding of the unique challenges and complexities that many general personal injury attorneys may overlook.
With over 40 years of combined experience, our team has secured record-breaking settlements and verdicts nationwide, holding manufacturers, utility companies, and power providers accountable for life-changing injuries. We work with a nationwide network of engineers, medical experts, and scientists to investigate every detail of your case, ensuring no critical evidence is missed. From start to finish, we provide personalized guidance, constant communication, and aggressive representation so you can focus on recovery while we fight for full recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term effects.
