While you may suffer an electric shock because of a defective product or natural incident, you may suffer an electric shock because of negligent or reckless conditions on someone’s property, which is a premises liability matter. In this article, we will discuss electric shock lawsuits that fall under premises liability claims.
What Is an Electric Shock?
An electric shock refers to an incident that occurs when a person makes direct contact with a source of electricity; during this contact, an electrical current pass through the person’s body resulting in injuries or even death. Electrocution occurs when an electric shock results in death; however, the terms are often (mistakenly) used interchangeably.
Common Causes of Electric Shock or Electrocution Accidents
You can suffer injuries because of an electric shock anywhere from a grocery store to an associate’s house. Electric shock accidents can occur because of a wide variety of issues, such as:
- Poor or negligent wiring issues (i.e. energy use that exceeds the wiring’s capacity)
- Permanent use of temporary wiring
- Overused circuits (i.e. plugging too many cords into a singular outlet/circuit)
- Open circuit electricity
- Negligence
- Lightening strikes
- Exposed electrical lines
- Downed power lines
- Damaged or frayed electrical cords
Injuries & Symptoms Suffered by Electrocution Victims
While the most common electric shock injury is an electrical burn to the hands, feet, or part of the body that contacted the electricity, electrocution victims/survivors can sustain a host of other injuries. Electric shocks or electrocutions can lead to external and/or internal injuries. While external electrical injuries typically involve skin burns, internal injuries can include damage to a person’s organs, nerves, bones, or muscles as well as cardiac arrest or heart arrhythmias. If you fall or stumble after being electrocuted, you may also sustain cuts, lacerations, bruises, or head injuries.
How serious the injuries depend on the circumstances of the accident and other factors, including but not limited to:
- The type of current
- The path the current travel through your body
- The strength of the current
- How long you were exposed
- Whether you have any preexisting conditions or health issues before the incident
- How quickly you receive treatment
After being electrocuted, you may not suffer symptoms immediately, and the symptoms you experience will depend on the severity of the shock. You should consult with a doctor or healthcare professional immediately following an electrocution accident. Potential symptoms of an electrocution injury include:
- Tingling sensations
- Seizures
- Numbness
- Muscle spasms
- Loss of consciousness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Difficulty breathing
- Compartment syndrome (i.e. internal damage)
- Changes in or a loss of heating
- Burns
Establishing Liability in Electrocution Lawsuits
Who is at fault for your injuries varies based on your case specifics. In many cases, the property owner is at fault as they have a responsibility to safeguard workers, guests, customers, and other people legally on their property from electrical hazards. If they knew about the unsafe wiring or electrical issues, they should have signs or precautions for their guests, and if they fail to do so, they can be held liable for your damages in a premises liability claim.
To establish liability in a premises liability claim/electrocution lawsuit, it must be proven that you were on the property legally and that the property owner breached the duty of care that you were owed. You will also need to prove that you suffered damages and/or injuries.
Get Legal Help
If you have been electrocuted while on someone’s premises, the team at Michael Doyle, Attorney at Law can help you understand your legal rights and options, establish liability, and bring an electric shock lawsuit forward. Whether you were injured while at work or while legally on someone else’s property, our attorney is equipped to help you fight for your right to compensation. We handle premises liability cases and workers’ compensation claims.
To discuss your case with our firm, complete this online form or call (505) 219-2176 today.