Electrocution Injury

Electrocution is the electric shock of a human body resulting in death.  In reality, anyone who receives an electric shock and survives the injury has not literally been electrocuted.  However, it has become common to use the phrase “electrocution” to refer to an injury as well as a fatality resulting from such a shock.  These are dangerous injuries that can result in anything from minor discomfort to extensive suffering to permanent disability, and even death.  If such an injury is caused in any way by another party, the victim should consult a personal injury attorney to learn if they are eligible to file a civil suit for compensation.

Types of Electric Shock Injuries

There are a number of ways in which an individual can receive an electric shock.  Some of the most common are:

• Construction site injuries
• Home appliances
• Lightning strikes
• Wiring problems
• Utility poles
• Hair dryers and curling irons
• Toys

Electric shock injuries are the most common workplace injuries, especially among construction workers.  However, other common causes are product liability and premises liability.

Worker’s Compensation Electrocution Claim

Anyone who receives an electric shock injury on the job has the opportunity to file a worker’s compensation claim.  Such claims are no-fault injury claims and the employer’s worker’s compensation insurance pays the appropriate compensation, which can vary:

• Simple Injuries - medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost wages
• Debilitating Injuries – all of the above plus ongoing rehabilitation, permanent disability support, and pain and suffering
• Wrongful Death – compensation for the family for medical expenses, funeral expenses, loss of support, loss of companionship, or loss of parental guidance

In some circumstances, workplace injuries may have been caused by a third party.  Such victims should contact an accident attorney, since they may be able to file an additional suit against that third party to recover damages.

Defective Products that Cause Electric Shocks

One of the most common causes of electric shock and electrocution injuries is product liability.  Electric product liability is caused by some error in the product’s

• Design Defect, causing all products in that line to be dangerous
• Manufacturing Defect, causing some, but not all, products to be dangerous
• Marketing, causing the packaging or advertising to fail to provide appropriate directions or warnings for the consumer

In the United States and in Europe, directive strict product liability has determined that most product liability is strict liability, meaning that someone responsible for that product is liable for any injuries that result from its use.

Premises Liability

If a visitor or customer on someone else’s property receives an electrical shock injury or is electrocuted on someone else’s property due to their negligence, they should contact an accident attorney to learn if they are eligible to file a premises liability lawsuit and receive compensation.

Help from a Personal Injury Attorney

Anyone who has received an electrical shock, or the family of someone who has been electrocuted, should contact an accident attorney to determine their rights and obtain the help they need to file suit for compensation.