Electrocution, coined in 1889, is a combination of “electro” and “execute.” The term first referred to deaths via the electric chair, but the meaning gradually changed to “any death by electricity.”
Currently, electrocution is a leading cause of death worldwide. It’s extremely worrying, given that it can happen at home and in the workplace. In addition, plenty of factors may result in electrocution, such as faulty wiring and wrong installations.
If you or a friend or relative has suffered from electrocution, you may want to consider getting in touch with an accident lawyer. They can review your case and decide whether you can push for compensation.
The Types of Injuries Electrical Currents Cause
Burns from Electricity
When an electrical current travels through the body, it causes the tissues to release heat that leads to burning sensations. Burns caused by electricity come in three forms: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. Sometimes, the burns are a combination of any of the three.
The most common cause of electrical burns is touching a live wire with your bare hands. Other sources include contact with water or other conductive materials, even if it’s only for a few seconds. Touching faulty electrical equipment you have not unplugged yet may also cause electric burns.
Electric Shock
Electric shock is the sudden sensation an electric current’s presence causes. Some examples include lightning, static electricity, and electrocution, with voltages that can be either high or low.
Low-voltage shocks result in currents penetrating the skin’s outer layer. Meanwhile, high-voltage shocks can cause significant damage to a person’s internal organs within milliseconds.
Fall Damage
What many may not know is that accidents by fall damage can also occur because of electrical currents.
If a person experiences electrical shock, they may undergo muscle contractions or exhibit a startle reaction. Both situations can prove dangerous when one is on a ladder or situated at a great height.
The Causes of Electrical Accidents
As previously mentioned, electrical accidents can happen anywhere, be it at home or in your workplace. It’s also worth noting that operating in the electrical field is one of the most dangerous career choices a person can make in their lifetime.
That said, many factors can result in electrical accidents. Accident lawyers go to great lengths to pinpoint the cause to understand a client’s case better.
In the workplace, the following can cause electrical accidents:
- A failed machine or tool that is not designed to work in wet or humid conditions
- Failure of electrical wiring or equipment
- Improperly grounded electrical equipment
- Poorly insulated tools and machines used in wet areas
- Other defective equipment, faulty wiring, or flawed design of the workplace
On the other hand, electrical accidents at home may be the result of:
- Improper wiring and use of extension cords
- Misuse and storage of electrical appliances and tools
- Water and moisture near the wiring
- Lack of awareness of electricity
Why You Need Accident Lawyers
Electrical accidents that occur due to the negligence of an external party may warrant the services of an accident lawyer. The lawyer you choose can handle the legalities and pursue compensation while you or your loved one recuperates.
If you’re facing a similar situation, an experienced accident lawyer will not only strive for compensation that covers your loss of income productivity. Instead, they will also take into consideration current and future bills and the suffering that you are going through.
At Ronemus & Vilensky, our malpractice and accident lawyers will do their utmost to ensure that you’re compensated properly for accidents that you have gone through. We specialize in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to personal injury, auto accidents, medical malpractice, and construction accidents. Book a consultation with us today!