Accidents involving electrocution can cause serious injury and even death. Frequently, electrocution accidents occur in the workplace, where wiring and electricity are common.
There are other scenarios where electrocution can occur, where property owners and other responsible parties can be held liable for injuries.
Workplace Accidents Involving Electrocution
Workplace electrocution victims are typically entitled to workers' compensation benefits. NJ employers with even a single employee are required to carry workers' compensation insurance for the benefit of injured employees.
Workers' compensation benefits are intended to help injured workers pay for medical treatment costs and recover disability benefits for lost wages. Injured workers may also be able to pursue a separate personal injury case against any responsible parties other than their employer.
Where there is a recovery in a separate personal injury case, the workers' compensation insurance carrier is entitled by law to assert a lien on a portion of the proceeds from the personal injury recovery. A lawyer can help adjust any such lien.
Negligence and Electricity
Sources of electricity are everywhere and, quite often, workers in industrial settings must work in close proximity to them. While most electric shocks do not cause serious injury, the potential does exist.
When a property owner fails to keep their property in a reasonably safe condition and that state of disrepair causes injury, they may be held liable and responsible for resulting damages. Individuals who are injured in this way can seek compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Electrocution Affects The Body
Humans are good conductors of electricity, and an electrical current can travel easily throughout the body. Injuries resulting from electricity can vary widely. Here are some common injuries:
- Burns. Electrical currents can cause both external and internal burns. Currents of certain magnitudes can cause burns so severe that they require amputation or result in permanent loss of function.
- Cardiac Arrest. The human heart is controlled through electrical impulses. Electric currents can disrupt this rhythm and cause arrhythmia or fibrillation which can lead to death if not treated quickly.
- Nervous System. Nerves can be damaged by electric shock and can cause temporary or permanent damage to limbs and even disrupt brain function.
- Unexpected Consequences. Disorders stemming from electric shock can manifest themselves week or months after being exposed.
Seeking Legal Advice
If you've been injured on the job or as a result of another person's negligence, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible. The Reinartz Law Firm is available to discuss the specifics of your case and help you choose the best path to seeking compensation. We invite you to contact us today for a free consultation.
