Injury and Accident Attorneys Serving St. Louis, Nearby Missouri, and Nearby Illinois
Electrocutions occur when some type of electric shock is sent through the body. An electrocution involving a small shock can disrupt normal heartbeat, while in the worst cases when larger currents are involved, an electrocution can cause severe burns, extensive damage to the body’s cells and/or the heart to stop beating altogether.
While the severity of an electrocution will depend on the type of current, how long that current passed through the body and the amount of voltage associated with that current, any electrocution can injure a person, causing him to require emergency medical care.
Causes of Electrocution Injuries
Although a person can be electrocuted due to his own carelessness, in many cases, the negligence or recklessness of another individual or party plays a role in causing electrocution injuries. Some of the specific causes of electrocution include (but are not limited to):
- Faulty or old wiring
- Exposed electrical sources
- Electrical arcs from power lines
- Contact with a power line due to, for example, a car accident or a construction accident
- Defective electrical products (including power tools, microwaves, hair dryers, etc.)
When negligence is involved in causing an electrocution injury, the injured person:
- Will likely have a personal injury claim against the negligent party
- Can secure compensation for his or her injuries and losses by following through with a personal injury lawsuit
- Should consult with the trusted injury lawyers at Brown & Brown, LLP to learn more about their legal rights and entitlements
What Is the Physical Reaction and Damage From Electrocution?
Electrocution can result in nerve damage, which may cause severe pain along with loss of mobility. It may result in both surface and deep burns, and can cause damage to the heart and central nervous system.
Depending on the extent of an electrocution injury, damages may be permanent.
What Types of Organ Damage From Electrocution Injuries Are There?
Electrocution can damage any of your internal organs. Commonly, however, the heart and brain sustain the most damage from electrical shock. Electrocution can result in arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, and cardiac arrest. It can also impact the brain’s ability to regulate motor function, including breathing.
What Are the Treatment Options for an Electrocution Injury?
The most common injury from electrocution is electrical burns. Burns are treated based on their severity, with first and second-degree burns typically responding well to at-home treatment. Third and fourth-degree burns may require invasive surgeries, skin grafting, physical therapy, and more. Even with treatment, there may be permanent damage, such as limited mobility and disfigurement, which is inescapable with severe burns. These types of burns are also potentially fatal.
What Are the Elements of Negligence?
The four elements of negligence that must be established for a successful personal injury lawsuit are:
- The defendant had a legal duty to safeguard the plaintiff from harm
- The defendant breached that duty
- The plaintiff was injured as a direct result of that breach
- The injury resulted in both economic and non-economic damages to the plaintiff
Electrocution injuries are most common in the workplace. When you are injured on the job, the elements of negligence do not need to be established. Workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” insurance. This means that you can file for benefits even if your actions played a role in your accident. During your initial free case review, we will discuss all of your legal options to help ensure you are taking the most viable path toward recovery.
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Reach out to our Electrocution Injury Attorneys Today!
If you have been electrocuted and believe that another party’s negligence may have been to blame, call us at the 3s for a free consultation in the St. Louis area: 314-333-3333 or 573-333-3333. If you live in Southern Illinois, you can also reach our attorneys by dialing the 8s 618-888-8888. You can also fill out the appointment request form on this page, and our staff will assist you with setting up your consult. Our experience legal team looks forward to serving you!
