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Electrocution and Electric Shock Accident

May 6, 2020 | California

Electric shock injury happens when a person’s body becomes part of an electric circuit, the electricity flows between parts of the body or through the body to the ground.

Symptoms of an electric shock injury depend on the current’s frequency, the path through the body, the amount of current flowing through the body, and the length of time the body remains in the circuit.

Injuries Caused by Electrocution and Electric Shock

Injuries resulting from electrocution and electrical shocks include the following:

  • Cardiac arrest on a person’s heart from the effect of electricity
  • Burns
  • Nerves and tissue can be damaged from electrical currents
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Peripheral nerve damage
  • Amnesia
  • Respiratory arrest and other breathing problems.
  • Kidney damage
  • Muscle injuries
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Workplace Electrocution Accidents

Electric shock and electrocution accidents often occur in the workplace. Most electrical accidents result from unsafe equipment or installation, unsafe work practices, or an unsafe environment.

Here is the list of workplaces in the United States with the highest rates of electrical accidents and electrocution rates:

  • Construction workers
  • Mining industry
  • Firefighters
  • Utility workers
  • Electricians
  • Medical workers
  • Roofers

Workers Compensation for Electric Shock Accidents

When an electric shock and electrocution accidents injury happens in the workplace, the claim is usually covered by workers’ compensation, which provides lost income payments and medical care to the injured persons. Mostly workers injured in the workplace are not required to prove the employer’s fault to get workers’ compensation.

Electrocution and Electric Shock Accident as a Result of the Negligence

Usually, electric shock accident claims are based on negligence and to recover damages after an accident, the plaintiff must be able to establish the following elements:

  • Defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff
  • Defendant breached the duty of care through negligence
  • Defendant’s negligent action was a substantial factor in causing the harm or death to the plaintiff

Premises Liability

When an electrical shock happens on another person’s property, the property owner can be liable for dangerous conditions which existed on that property.

In a premises liability personal injury lawsuit, the plaintiff must be able to prove the following elements:

  • Defendant owned, controlled or occupied the property;
  • Defendant was negligent in the use or maintenance of the property
  • Plaintiff was harmed as a result of the defendant’s negligence

Recovering Damages Caused by an Electric Shock Accident

Damages a person may be entitled to for an electrocution injury are the following:

  • Hospital bills
  • Physical therapy
  • Costs for specialized burn care
  • Pain and Suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Damages for lost earnings and lost earning capacity
  • Damages for loss of enjoyment of life
  • Damages for lost property

For a consultation with experienced lawyers from KAASS LAW with proven results, call us at 310-933-5171.

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