Serious Injury & |  |
Texas — Colorado |
Electrocution
Electricity is an everyday part of our lives but if electrical systems are not
designed, installed, and maintained properly, it can cause serious injury
(electrical shock) or death (electrocution). When a person suffers electrical
shock injuries, we often see both an entry and an exit burn wound . But this is not
always the case; some people who have shocked do not have visible damage to
their bodies. Electricity can damage your body without burning your skin.
People who have been shocked may also suffer serious traumatic brain
injury or cardiac arrest resulting in wrongful death.
Defective products cause an alarming number of electrocution injuries. If you were electrocuted while using a hair dryer, household appliance, power tool or any other product that runs on electricity, you may have the right to file a claim against the designer, manufacturer and distributor of the product to recover your medical expenses, loss earnings, loss of enjoyment and pain and suffering.
Other causes of electrical injuries are:
- Inadequate Electrical Warnings
- Failures to Kill Electricity in Dangerous Circumstances
- Inadequate Training
- Non-Insulated Wiring
- Substandard Wiring
Contact with overhead power lines accounts for approximately two-fifths of electrocutions. Electric companies know how dangerous power lines are; yet individuals are electrocuted with alarming frequency. Electric companies have a general duty to the public to:
- Properly install and maintain their wires
- Fix sags in power lines
- Keep power lines from running too close to a house
- Fix power lines that have been knocked down in a storm.
When the power company fails to exercise reasonable care in protecting the public in these situations, they can be held responsible.
In addition to exposure to electrical hazards during our everyday lives, electrical safety is a major concern among those involved in facilities construction, operation and maintenance, facilities and process design, electrical safety services, workplace safety, regulations and standards. Working with electricity can be very dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and others work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesse, and circuit assemblies. Certain office workers and salespeople work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards. Unfortunately, some employers, power line and electric companies, and even some insurance companies treat injured workers and innocent victims unfairly often putting pressure on them not to seek legal assistance to obtain all remedies to which they are legally entitled. A key component to electrical safety is for those impacted by electrical safety to be aware of the standards and regulations that include the best safety practices.
The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC®) sets forth the ground rules for practical safeguarding of persons during the installation, operation, or maintenance of electric supply and communication lines and associated equipment. The NESC contains the basic provisions that are considered necessary for the safety of employees and the public under the specified conditions.
HSSH has experienced electrical shock / electrocution lawyers and would be happy to discuss your claim with you. The consultation is free and if we do not make a recovery on your behalf, you owe us nothing.
Just call 800-753-5359 or 806-376-8903 (Texas office) or 303-333-2200 (Colorado office) or contact us by clicking here.
