Philadelphia Electrocution Injury Attorney

Electrocution injuries are a common form of trauma in the US, and they are associated with high levels of death and disability. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), around 1,000 people are killed and another 30,000 victims suffer injuries because of electrical shock every year. Approximately 1 in 5 of all electrocution victims are children, most of whom are toddlers and adolescents. However, the risks of electrical trauma are high in the Pennsylvania workplace, ranking #4 in terms of workplace-related accidental death. There are more than 300 fatalities and 4,000 injuries from electrocution in the occupational setting annually.

NIH researchers also point out that electrocution injuries are preventable, so state laws provide victims with legal remedies. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses, and our team at Quinn Injury Lawyers will assist with the process. We have years of experience helping victims with accident claims, backed by in-depth knowledge of the relevant laws. Please contact us to schedule a no-cost consultation with a Philadelphia electrocution injury attorney and check out an overview of your remedies.

How Electrocution Injuries Happen

The sources of electrical trauma are typically low- or high-voltage shocks, as well as lighting strikes. However, the causes are often different based upon the environment:

Electrical Injuries at Home: Among the most common reasons people experience electric shock is from small appliances or extension cords. These items often suffer from typical wear and tear, but they are also dangerous when they contain defects. Another source of household electrocution is electrical outlets, a problem that can be remedied by using plastic inserts to protect children from sticking fingers and objects inside.

For adults, the biggest risk of injuries comes from working on home appliances and office equipment. The exposure is generally low-voltage electrical current, but the injuries can still be severe.

Electrocution in the Workplace: The construction industry represents around half of all workplace electrical shock, and the vast majority of these injuries result from contact with overhead wiring. Heavy equipment, including cranes, drilling rigs, and bucket trucks, can strike power lines. Plus, employees are often hurt while carrying items, such as ladders and scaffolding.

Injuries from Electrical Shock

Unfortunately, the human body is a very effective conductor of electricity, so shock easily passes through organs and tissues. Direct contact with electrical current is usually fatal, but those who survive may suffer dysfunction in multiple organs and/or tissues. The nature of the damage depends on the length of exposure to electricity, the person’s size, and the measurable area that was in contact with the electrical source. Injuries and complications may include:

• Damage to the heart, including cardiac arrest from the electrical impacts.
• Destruction of muscle tissues from the electrical current.
• Harm to nerve tissue, leading to pain, tingling, numbness, and inability to move extremities; and,
• Thermal burns on the skin at the points where the electrical current entered and exited the body, which are similar to injuries from touching a hot pot.

Another implication of electrocution that many people do not consider is the injuries that occur in the immediate aftermath. The body typically becomes limp and the victim may lose consciousness, so falls are a significant concern.

Legal Remedies for Injured Victims

There are three potential theories of liability when someone suffers an electrical shock, Quinn Injury Lawyers will advise you on which options apply to your situation. Your Philadelphia electrocution injuries lawyer may pursue one or more of the following remedies:

• Negligence: If you were electrocuted because of dangerous conditions on property, you could have a claim against the owner under premises liability concepts. Electrocution may even result from a vehicle accident. With negligence, you must prove that the at-fault party breached the legal duty to exercise reasonable care. 
• Product Liability: When dangerous, defective consumer products are the source of electrocution injuries, you could pursue the manufacturer. The concept of strict liability applies, so you do not need to prove negligence. 
• Workers’ Compensation: Individuals who were electrocuted on the job may be entitled to benefits, and you do not need to prove that your employer was at fault.

Discuss Legal Options with a Philadelphia Electrocution Injuries Attorney 

As you can see, the legal process can be complicated when pursuing your remedies for electrical shock. If you were hurt or lost a loved one, you can count on Quinn Injury Lawyers to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve by law. To learn more, please call (215) 709-8923 or go online to set up a free case review with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer.

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