High-voltage electrical injuries (over 1,000 volts) can cause devastating, potentially life-threatening damage. These types of electric shock injuries often produce severe internal burns, deep tissue death, and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and may even trigger cardiac arrest. They commonly occur when an electrical arc throws the victim, leading to traumatic injuries such as fractures and significant tissue swelling. This swelling can become so severe that it results in compartment syndrome, a dangerous complication that requires immediate medical attention.
What is considered high voltage?
High voltage is generally defined as any electrical current exceeding 1,000 volts (V). In medical and safety contexts, injuries from voltages above this threshold are considered high-voltage electrical injuries because they carry a significantly higher risk of severe burns, deep tissue damage, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening complications.
By contrast, low-voltage electricity—typically below 1,000 V—can still cause injury, but the effects are usually less severe and less likely to produce deep tissue or systemic damage. High-voltage exposure is particularly dangerous because the electrical current can travel through the body, causing extensive internal injury that may not be immediately visible on the skin.
To provide perspective about what constitutes high voltage (which is estimated to range from 100 volts to 500 volts), here are examples of different voltage levels and their sources:
- Household electricity is generally set at approximately 110 volts
- Most appliances use approximately 120 volts
- Larger appliances like dryers (for clothing) and electric cooktops use approximately 240 volts
- A utility company’s power lines are frequently set at 100,000 volts or higher
What is a high voltage electrical injury?
A high-voltage electrical injury occurs when the body is exposed to an electrical current exceeding 1,000 volts, which can cause severe and potentially life-threatening damage. These injuries often involve not only visible burns at entry and exit points but also deep tissue destruction, including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. These types of shocks can lead to complications such as cardiac arrest, neurological damage, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), fractures from being thrown, and other internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent. Because of the intensity of the current, these injuries require immediate medical attention, even if the victim appears stable initially.
Can these injuries cause death?
Yes. A high voltage electrical injury can cause death. This is called electrocution.
What to do if someone suffers a high voltage electrical injury?
If someone suffers a high-voltage electrical injury, immediate action is essential to prevent further harm. First, ensure the scene is safe and the power source is turned off before approaching. Call emergency services right away, as these injuries can cause life-threatening burns, cardiac arrest, or internal damage even if the victim appears conscious. Check the person’s responsiveness and breathing, and begin CPR if necessary. Cover visible burns with a clean, non-stick cloth without applying ice or ointments, and keep the victim warm to prevent shock. Monitor for complications such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, or worsening pain, and avoid unnecessary movement, since fractures or internal injuries may be present. Prompt medical evaluation is critical, as serious complications can develop even after the initial injury.
Ensure safety first
Ensuring safety is the very first and most critical step when someone suffers a high-voltage electrical injury. Before approaching the victim, make sure the power source is completely turned off. Do not attempt to touch or move the person while they are still in contact with the electricity, as this can put you at risk of severe injury or death. If possible, use a non-conductive object, such as a wooden stick or plastic tool, to separate the person from the electrical source, but only if the power cannot be safely turned off. Maintaining a safe distance and avoiding direct contact is essential to protect both the rescuer and the victim.
Once the area is secure, keep bystanders away to prevent additional injuries. High-voltage accidents can create hazards such as live wires, sparks, or falling debris, so it is important to stay alert and avoid creating new risks. Only after the scene is safe should you approach the victim to provide assistance. By prioritizing safety first, you reduce the risk of further harm and ensure that emergency responders can reach and treat the injured person effectively.
Call emergency services
Calling emergency services immediately is a critical step when someone suffers a high-voltage electrical injury. These injuries can cause life-threatening complications, including cardiac arrest, severe burns, internal organ damage, and neurological trauma, even if the victim appears alert and stable. Dialing 911 ensures that trained medical professionals are on the way quickly, increasing the chances of survival and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
When calling, provide clear, concise information about the situation: describe the voltage level if known, the victim’s condition, any visible burns or trauma, and whether they are conscious or breathing. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully—they can guide you on CPR, positioning, and other immediate actions to stabilize the victim until help arrives. Promptly contacting emergency services is essential because high-voltage injuries require rapid evaluation and treatment in a hospital or specialized burn or trauma center.
Check responsiveness and breathing
Checking the victim’s responsiveness and breathing after they suffered a high voltage electrical injury is a crucial step after ensuring the scene is safe and emergency services are on the way. Assess whether the person is conscious by gently tapping their shoulder and speaking to them. Look for signs of normal breathing, chest movement, or any verbal or physical response. This quick assessment helps determine the urgency of life-saving interventions, such as CPR.
If the victim is unresponsive or not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately if you are trained, following any guidance provided by the emergency dispatcher. Even if the person appears to be breathing, continue to monitor them closely, as these injuries can cause delayed cardiac arrhythmias or sudden collapse. Promptly checking responsiveness and breathing ensures that critical care can begin without delay and significantly improves the victim’s chances of survival.
Treat burns carefully
Treating burns carefully is a vital step when responding to a high-voltage electrical injury. These burns often extend deep into the tissues, even if the skin appears only mildly damaged, so gentle handling is essential. Cover visible burns with a clean, non-stick cloth or sterile dressing to protect the area from infection, but avoid applying ice, ointments, or attempting to break blisters, as this can worsen tissue damage.
High-voltage electrical burns can progress rapidly, so continuous monitoring is important while waiting for emergency responders. Keep the victim calm and still, and avoid moving them unnecessarily, since underlying tissue, muscle, or bone injuries may not be immediately visible. Careful burn management at the scene helps reduce the risk of further harm and prepares the victim for urgent medical treatment.
Prevent shock
Preventing shock is an essential step when caring for someone who has suffered a high-voltage electrical injury. Electrical trauma can cause significant internal damage and blood flow disturbances, putting the victim at risk of shock, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. To help prevent shock, have the person lie down on their back with their legs slightly elevated, unless doing so causes pain or worsens other injuries, and keep them as calm and still as possible.
Maintaining warmth is also critical, so cover the victim with a blanket or coat to prevent hypothermia. Avoid giving food or drink, as they may require surgery or other medical interventions. Monitoring the victim closely for signs of confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or pale, clammy skin allows you to respond quickly while waiting for emergency services. These precautions help stabilize the victim and improve outcomes until professional care is available.
Monitor for complications
Monitoring for complications is a crucial part of caring for someone who has suffered a high-voltage electrical injury. Even after the initial accident, serious issues such as irregular heartbeat, seizures, breathing difficulties, or worsening pain can develop rapidly. Continuous observation allows you to detect these complications early and respond appropriately while waiting for emergency medical responders.
Keep the victim as still and comfortable as possible, and watch for changes in consciousness, skin color, or breathing patterns. Avoid unnecessary movement, since hidden injuries like fractures, deep tissue damage, or internal bleeding may be present. By carefully monitoring for complications, you help ensure the victim receives timely medical intervention and reduce the risk of further harm from delayed or unseen effects of the high-voltage electrical injury.
High voltage electrical injury types
Exposure to electricity can result in injuries which are frequently grouped into the following categories:
- Flash injuries – These are caused by the arc flash resulting from an explosion caused by electricity. They cause burns to the skin, but current of electricity does not travel through a person’s skin.
- Flame injuries – These injuries occur when an arc flash ignites a person’s clothing. It’s possible that a current of electricity may have entered or passed through a person’s skin.
- Injuries where the current of electricity has entered and exited the body – With these injuries, a person has literally become part of a circuit of electricity such that current of electricity has entered, traveled through and exited a person’s body. Entrance and exit wound sites are expected.
What degree of burn is a high voltage electrical injury?
High-voltage electrical injuries typically cause third-degree burns or deeper, although the severity can vary depending on the voltage, current, and duration of contact. Unlike thermal burns from heat alone, electrical burns often extend deep beneath the skin, affecting muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, even if the surface appears relatively small.
Because of this deep tissue involvement, high-voltage electrical burns are particularly dangerous: they can lead to tissue necrosis, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and compartment syndrome. Even when the external skin damage seems minor, the underlying injuries may be extensive, which is why immediate medical evaluation is essential for anyone exposed to this type of injury.
What are the symptoms of a high voltage electric injury?
High-voltage electrical injuries can produce a range of serious symptoms affecting multiple systems. Common signs include burns at entry and exit points, which may appear small but often mask extensive internal damage, as well as deep tissue burns that affect muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. Neurological symptoms can include numbness, tingling, weakness, seizures, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Cardiovascular effects range from irregular heartbeats to cardiac arrest in severe cases. Musculoskeletal injuries such as muscle pain, swelling, weakness, fractures, or joint dislocations can occur, especially if the victim is thrown by the electrical arc. Other immediate symptoms often include shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and intense pain at the injury site.
What are the long term effects of a high voltage electrical injury?
Survivors of high-voltage electrical injuries may experience a range of long-term complications. Neurological effects can include persistent numbness, tingling, weakness, and chronic neuropathy. Cognitive and psychological issues such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common. Sensory problems may include chronic tinnitus and hearing loss, while ongoing pain syndromes can result in significant, lasting discomfort.
What factors determine the severity of injuries?
The severity of a person’s injury from exposure and/or contact with high powered electricity will depend on:
- The voltage involved
- The pathway that electricity traveled through a person’s body (e.g., through the heart, muscles, head, eyes and/or chest, or hand-to-hand)
- Length of a person’s exposure to/contact with the source of electricity
- Health and/or medical condition of the person before the injury occurred
- Whether the current of electricity was direct (DC) or alternating (AC) because AC (or alternating current) is commonly viewed as being more dangerous than DC (direct current)
Can I sue for a high voltage electrical injury?
Yes, you may be able to sue for a high-voltage electrical injury if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or failure to follow safety regulations. This could include situations such as faulty wiring, defective equipment, lack of proper safety precautions, or unsafe work conditions. In these cases, the responsible party may be held legally liable for the harm they caused, and a personal injury claim can help recover damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term complications.
The ability to pursue a lawsuit depends on proving that the responsible party had a duty to maintain a safe environment, that they breached this duty, and that their negligence directly caused the accident. If the injury occurred at work, workers’ compensation laws may provide benefits, but in some cases, additional legal action may be possible if a third party was responsible. Consulting an experienced electrocution lawyer can help determine your legal options and guide you through the claims process to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes, it is highly advisable to have a lawyer if you suffer a high voltage electrical injury. These injuries are often complex, involving deep tissue damage, long-term medical care, and potentially life-altering complications, which can make insurance claims or legal settlements challenging to navigate on your own. A skilled attorney can help ensure that your claim accounts for all current and future medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability.
Additionally, these accidents may involve multiple parties, such as employers, property owners, or equipment manufacturers, and liability can be complicated to prove. A lawyer can gather evidence, work with medical and safety experts, and negotiate effectively with insurance companies to maximize compensation. Legal guidance is especially important because delays, missed deadlines, or undervalued claims can significantly reduce the recovery you are entitled to.
What damages can a lawyer help me recover?
A lawyer can help you recover a wide range of damages after a high voltage electrical injury, ensuring that both immediate and long-term losses are accounted for. Medical expenses are a primary component, including emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatments for complications such as nerve damage or chronic pain. They can also help recover lost wages if the injury prevents you from working temporarily, as well as compensation for reduced earning capacity if your ability to work long-term is affected.
Beyond financial losses, a lawyer can pursue non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the injury. In cases involving permanent injuries or disfigurement, compensation may also cover long-term care, assistive devices, or home modifications. By working with medical experts and accident investigators, an attorney ensures that all aspects of your injury—including hidden internal damage and future medical needs—are considered in your claim, maximizing the likelihood of full and fair compensation.
How long does a settlement take?
The timeline for a high voltage electrical injury settlement can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, complexity of the case, and number of parties involved. In general, minor cases with clear liability and limited medical treatment may settle within a few months, while more severe injuries with long-term complications often take a year or more. High-voltage injuries frequently involve deep tissue damage, ongoing medical care, and potential long-term disability, all of which require careful documentation before a fair settlement can be reached.
Other factors that affect timing include negotiations with insurance companies, the need for expert medical or safety testimony, and whether litigation becomes necessary. Settlements are often delayed until the victim’s condition has stabilized so that future medical expenses and lost earning capacity can be accurately calculated. An experienced attorney can help streamline the process, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf, but it is important to understand that serious electricity accident-related cases naturally take longer to ensure full and fair compensation.
Why choose the lawyers at Electrocuted.com for my high voltage electrical injury case?
If you suffered a high voltage electrical injury, the lawyers at Electrocuted.com are uniquely equipped to help. We focus exclusively on electrocution cases, giving us deep experience with the medical, legal, and emotional challenges that often arise in these situations.
With over 40 years of experience, we have secured record-breaking settlements and verdicts nationwide, holding manufacturers, power companies, utilities, and other responsible parties accountable. By working with a network of engineers, scientists, and medical experts, we thoroughly investigate every detail of your case to ensure nothing is overlooked.
From start to finish, we provide personalized guidance, clear communication, and aggressive representation, allowing you to focus on recovery while we pursue the full compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an injury after an accident with electricity.
