The human body is a relatively efficient electrical conductor. To put it another way, if a person comes into contact with an electrical charge, the current will follow the body’s conductive pathways until it finds ground. Heart attack, lung failure, brain injury, and death are all possible outcomes of an electric shock.
People who survive being electrocuted often have to deal with severe psychological and emotional trauma on top of their physical wounds. The cost of treating these injuries can be extremely high, but there may be legal recourse available to you if you or a loved one suffers injuries in an electrical accident.
Morelli Law’s personal injury attorneys could be of assistance. Our electrocution attorneys in White Plains are prepared to investigate your accident, determine who is at fault, and advocate on your behalf for maximum compensation.
Electrocution Injuries Can Happen for Many Reasons
Anyone can be injured in an electrocution accident.
Generally speaking, determining liability in an electrocution case requires collecting evidence and understanding the unique circumstances of the incident. For instance, contact with exposed wiring due to poor maintenance can lead to severe injury or death by electric shock.
Additionally, malfunctioning utility equipment that is not up to current electrical safety standards can also increase the risk of electrocution. Depending on where the incident occurred and who owns or operates it, can help determine who is responsible.
Faulty equipment, defective products, or unsafe wiring in an apartment might all be sources of electrocution injuries for which others may be held liable. It’s important to speak with a White Plains electrocution lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and nothing gets overlooked in this complicated situation.
Workplace Accidents and Construction Accidents
In the United States, electrocution is a common cause of workplace death and injury. Construction workers, younger workers, and utility company workers are particularly at risk.
Devastating or permanent disability might result from being in the path of falling power lines, faulty equipment, or any number of other hazards or mistakes.
The design, production, installation, or maintenance of electrical wiring can all go wrong. Construction workers in all roles are at risk of electrocution. The following are examples of common risks and electrocution accidents:
- Wires that aren’t visible or clearly labeled
- Electrocution-induced falls from scaffolds and heights
- The failure to insulate or ground wires
- Inadequate safety measures, lack of training and instruction
- Careless placement or operation of scaffolding, cranes, or cherry pickers.
- Overloaded extension lines that can be easily tripped over, snagged, and severed
- Machinery involved in trenching and excavation contacting buried electricity cables
- The use of electrical devices in close proximity to potentially combustible air, liquids, or dust
- Bare wires
Exposed wiring on construction sites can come in contact with ladders or scaffolding, another worker may ignore safety protocols, or equipment may malfunction. When you are hurt at work, worker’s compensation may take care of some of your injuries and losses.
However, in certain circumstances, you may be able to pursue legal action against other parties involved, such as a manufacturer, property owner, contractor, or power company. An electrocution injury attorney in White Plains can explain your rights under workers’ compensation and explain your other legal choices.
White Plains Electrocution Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Types of Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution is a serious injury caused by contact with electricity. When currents of high voltage travel through the body, they can cause significant damage to muscle tissue, nerves and organs. This voltage may cause ruptures and burns of the skin, as well as internal trauma to organs and other tissues.
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns are common when exposed to an electrical current. If the current is strong enough, it can cause intense heat that damages the skin and underlying tissue quickly. This type of burn can be especially dangerous because it continues burning until the electricity is extinguished or blocked from passing through the person’s body.
Internal Injuries
Internal burns are also possible; these occur when a current passes through the person’s vital organs including their heart, lungs, and brain, possibly leading to cardiac arrest or other forms of bodily failure.
Damage to Nerves, Tissues, Extremities
Damage to extremities such as fingers, arms, and legs is also possible with electrocution injuries; if a joint such as an elbow or knee is exposed to an electric source, extreme swelling will likely occur within that limb.
Heart Attack
In some cases, the shock caused by electrocution produces cardiac arrest due to its effect on a person’s heart electrical system. Some people may go into arrhythmia or cardiac arrest immediately after being exposed to electrical currents, while others may suffer more gradual losses in conscious activity or even total unconsciousness over time.
It is vital that proper medical attention is sought immediately following any incident involving electrocution in order to avoid further complications such as brain damage or even fatality. After seeking medical help, reach out to an electrical injury attorney in White Plains to pursue compensation for these injuries.
Damages You May Recover
Your electrical burn injury lawyer in White Plains can help you determine the amount of compensation you can pursue. The damages you can claim after an electrical injury may include the following:
- Medical expenses and costs for ongoing care
- Lost wages
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Other damages related to your accident
Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Serving White Plains to Learn More
When you are hurt or you lose a loved one in an electrical accident, the situation can seem overwhelming. However, there may be legal recourse available to you if you or a loved one suffers injuries in an electrical accident.
If an electrocution incident has caused catastrophic injury or loss of life, the White Plains electrocution injury attorneys of Morelli Law will help you understand your rights. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to identify liability.
We will fight to recover compensatory damages covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability insurance payments, burial costs and punitive damages where appropriate. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation with no obligation. We may be able to help.