According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI), there were a total of 2,210 non-fatal electrical injuries in the United States. 44% of these occurred in the construction industry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 170 electrical fatalities in the United States in 2019, 63% of which occurred in the construction industry.
The New York State Department of Labor reported 59 electrical injuries and two fatalities in 2020.
If an electrical shock causes you an injury, you may have grounds for a personal injury case, even if you were injured on the job. Here’s what you need to know.
What are the most common causes of electric shock?
The most common causes of electric shock are as follows:
- Direct contact with an electrical current, usually by way of coming into contact with electrical equipment that hasn’t been properly grounded.
- Electrical arcing can occur when an electric current jumps from one conductor to another through the air, usually caused by damaged or worn equipment.
- Ground fault electrical shocks are caused by faulty electrical systems or wiring.
- Improper use of electrical equipment or failure to follow safety procedures, such as using a piece of equipment with a damaged or frayed electrical cord.
Some of these injuries would make for a stronger personal injury case than others.
Who comes into contact with electrical shock hazards?
While construction and manufacturing workers come into contact with electrical shock hazards more than most, anyone can be hurt by an electric shock. Indeed, the rise of technology is creating new potential hazards.
For example, while engineers are working to correct the problem, some electric cars still create electric shock risks for drivers and passengers, especially during a collision.
What kind of compensation can I receive for an electric shock injury?
As with any personal injury case, you can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering in an electrical shock personal injury case.
To make your case as strong as possible and to recover as much as possible, it’s important that you speak to a personal injury attorney as soon after your accident as is feasible.
Who may be held responsible for an electric shock injury?
If you are injured on the job, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits but may also have a valid personal injury suit if a third party caused the electrical problem that burned you.
If faulty equipment caused your electrical burns, we’d most likely go after the manufacturer, retailer, or distributor. Sometimes we’d hold all three entities accountable.
Finally, if you receive electrical burns during a car accident with an electric vehicle, we’d be able to fold those electrical shock injuries into a normal car accident case.
Get Help Today
If you’ve suffered from electrical burns or electric shock injuries, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.
We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
