What kinds of Complications are Associated with Electrical Injuries?
by
Gabriel Levin on Jan. 08, 2015
Accident & Injury Accident & Injury Personal Injury
Summary: Almost every American is at some risk for sustaining an electrical injury at some point in his or her life. Electricity is an essential component of our modern society, illuminating the night and powering nearly every device or appliance that we have in our homes.
Almost every American is at some risk for sustaining an electrical injury at some point in his or her life.1 Electricity is an essential component of our modern society, illuminating the night and powering nearly every device or appliance that we have in our homes. With it ubiquity, many people, and especially children, fail to keep in mind that electricity has the potential to cause serious injury. Electrical outlets can seriously injure children who put objects into them out of curiosity, and frayed wires and appliances can easily shock unsuspecting individuals or start devastating fires. When these accidents are the result of someone’s negligence, victims may be able to recover significant financial compensation to for their medical bills and other losses associated with their injury. As a result, people who are injured in accidents involving electricity or secondary accidents caused by electrical malfunctions should discuss their options with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Everyday activities may result in electrical injuries
While a significant number of electrical injuries occur at the workplace, they can easily occur at home as well. Faulty wiring, liquid spills, poorly designed electronics, and improperly maintained electrical equipment can all cause serious electric shocks that may result in injury. In addition, in many instances, a person who sustains an electric shock can fall over or lose consciousness, potentially resulting in further injury. Some of the more common injuries sustained by people who accidentally sustain electric shocks include:
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Sprains
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Neurological injuries
- Scarring
- Dislocated joints
The severity of the injuries associated with an electric shock vary in proportion to the strength of the electrical current as well as the duration of the exposure to the current. Anyone who suspects that they have received anything more than a minor shock should seek medical attention immediately. Undergoing an evaluation conducted by a medical professional will accomplish two important goals – ensuring that your injuries are properly treated, and generating an official record of your injuries which can be used in case any legal claim that arises becomes contested. Finally, anyone who has sustained an electrical injury should discuss their options with an attorney as soon as possible. Personal injury claims must be brought within the applicable statute of limitations, so any delay in filing your claim has the potential to jeopardize your ability to recover.2
Who can be held liable for electrical injuries?
There are many parties that could potentially be held legally liable injuries caused by an electric shock, including home builders, electricians, device manufacturers, and employers. An experienced lawyer will be able to review the facts of your case can advise you as to against whom you may be able to assert a claim.
The Levin Firm
1500 John F. Kennedy, Blvd., Suite 620
Philadelphia, PA 19102
https://www.levininjuryfirm.com/philadelphia-electrical-injury-lawyer/
References:
1 http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/electrical-injury
2 http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.055..HTM
