Electricity has revolutionized the modern world. It is an essential part of everyday life. From providing light to homes and businesses to now even powering vehicles, every person in the United States is reliant on electricity throughout their day-to-day. Because of this, most of us don’t often think about the dangers of electricity—but it does pose a risk of harm.
OSHA has identified electrocution as one of the “Fatal Four” hazards on construction sites. Other industries, such as electricians, manufacturers, and utility workers, also face an increased risk of electrocution accidents. However, this only scratches the surface of where electrocution accidents can take place. Poor wiring in homes, faulty electronic cords, or malfunctioning appliances can also result in electrical accidents, leading to serious and often life-threatening injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in an electrical accident, whether at work or due to the negligence of another party, you can rely on the dedicated electrocution accident attorneys at the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. to be there for you. As one of the leading personal injury attorneys in the state of Texas, Juan Hernandez is also one of the 2% of Texas Lawyers to be certified in Personal Injury Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Experience matters when it comes to getting recovery for electrocution accidents. Work with a legal team that fights tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Electrocution Accidents in Dallas: What You Need to Know
Electrocution occurs when someone is exposed to a high-voltage electrical current, resulting in serious harm or death. There are four types of electrical accidents. They are as follows:
- Flash: An arc flash occurs when an electric current flashover strays from its intended path and travels through different conductors in the air. This can be caused by condensation on electrical components, faulty installation, material failure, dropping tools, and dust. This type of accident typically causes superficial burns as the current typically only travels on the skin.
- Flame: This occurs when an arc flash ignites the clothes. This type of electrical accident causes more severe injuries than flash as the current passes through the skin.
- Lightning: These injuries take place when the current flows through the entire body, resulting in a short but high-voltage electric current going through a person’s system. It results in serious injuries, such as neurological or nerve damage.
- True: The most serious type of electrocution accident where the affected individual becomes part of the electrical circuit. This often results in serious life-threatening injuries or death.
Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents
Faulty products, errant wiring set-up from inexperience, or the nature of one’s job, such as construction, can increase the risk of electrical shock. Construction workers and electricians face the highest risk of electrocution accidents. Common causes of these accidents are:
- Electrical overloads
- Fallen power lines
- Exposure to buried powerlines
- Contact with faulty electrical equipment
- Defective tools or equipment
- Lack of notification regarding areas or equipment with dangerous voltage
- Lack of safety training
- Code violations, such as electrical outlets or exposed wiring
- Lack of proper personal protective equipment
Electrocution accidents that occur within homes are often the result of these common causes:
- Faulty wiring
- Damaged or faulty appliances
- Contact with water and electricity
- Overloaded circuits
- Damaged extension cords
- Faulty switches
- Faulty outlets
- Lack of proper maintenance on electrical systems within the home
What Contributes to the Severity of an Electrocution Accident?
Numerous factors may contribute to electrical shock injuries, including:
- The type of voltage involved in the accident.
- The pathway the electrical current took.
- How long the individual was in contact with the electrical source.
- The current health of the victim at the time of the accident.
What Steps Should I Take After an Electrocution Accident?
Electrocution accidents are often severe, meaning that the injured party is not able to run through the normal list of actions to take after an accident, such as taking pictures. One of the most important things an injured individual can do is ensure they seek proper medical treatment for injuries.
Document all diagnoses, procedures, medications, and bills associated with your injury. Make sure you also keep a log about pain levels, how many days you have to miss work due to injuries, activities you can no longer engage in, and any lost income. Do not accept any settlement before you have had a chance to connect with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, as the insurance companies will often try to give you a settlement that is way less than what you deserve.
Severe Injuries Caused By Electric Shock
Electrocution injuries can range from minor shocks to devastating damage and, in the worst cases, death. Common injuries associated with electrocution accidents include:
- Severe burns to the skin, muscles, and internal organs
- Cardiac arrest
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Secondary injuries caused by falls due to shock, such as fractured bones or spinal cord injuries
- Lung failure
- Neurological damage
- Loss of kidney function
What Are the Symptoms of an Electrocution Accident?
Common symptoms that come from electrocution accidents include:
- Sudden loss of blood flow
- Falls or other injuries occurring as a side effect of electrical shock
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle spasms and seizures
- Pain or loss of sensation
- Trouble hearing
- Trouble seeing
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Body aches
- Numbness
- Confusion
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
Who May Be Liable for Electrocution Injuries in North Texas
A thorough investigation of the incident will be needed to determine who was liable for the accident. Electrocution accidents are tricky, as a wide range of reasons, such as inexperience or malfunctioning equipment, can cause them. Depending on the cause of the accident, the following parties may be held accountable:
- The Employer: An employer may be held responsible for damages and injuries if it can be shown that they failed to properly train, provide proper safety equipment and measures, or comply with OSHA regulations.
- Property Owners: Unsafe conditions on the property can increase the risk of an electrocution accident. If it can be shown that the property owner knew of the danger but failed to warn or act, or that they should have known about the danger, then they may be held responsible under premises liability law.
- The Manufacturer: Defective tools, appliances, or electronics can lead to electrocution accidents. If it were a defect that caused the accident, then the manufacturer could be held responsible through product liability laws.
- The General Contractor: General contractors are responsible for ensuring that they maintain a safe work environment for all of the individuals on a job site. This means ensuring that they have proper tools, safety equipment, and are following all safety measures.
- Utility Companies: Utility companies are responsible for maintaining power lines and other electrical systems. If it is shown that they were negligent in their duty to ensure that these systems are properly maintained, then they may be held responsible.
Why You Need a Dallas Lawyer Experienced in Electrical Injury Claims
Electrocution accident cases are often complex, as there are multiple parties involved. Navigating through the legal red tape can be overwhelming, especially when the injured party is simultaneously dealing with their physical recovery and handling their new reality of life. The Hernandez Law Group, P.C., is dedicated to fighting tirelessly for the rights of our clients. We don’t quit until we get the compensation our clients deserve. Our attorneys will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the incident.
- Work with industry-leading experts to determine the liable party.
- Negotiate aggressively to ensure you get the compensation you deserve and insurance companies are not trying to low-ball you.
- Take the fight to court if proper compensation cannot be negotiated outside of court.
Compensation Available for Electrocution Victims in Texas
After an electrocution accident, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. These damages can be broken down into the following types: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Vocational rehabilitation
Non-Economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (in cases of wrongful death)
How Hernandez Law Group Supports Dallas Electrocution Victims
An electrocution injury attorney will not only represent your case but also aid in determining who the liable party is and help you file a claim. Partnering with an attorney who is well-versed in Texas personal injury law and has experience with electrocution injury cases strengthens your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
While you focus on recovery, we will focus on investigating the incident, dealing with insurance companies, and ensuring that you are not being bullied into accepting something less than you deserve. Allow the Hernandez Law Group, P.C. to fight for you and your family, securing the compensation you deserve to cover damages and medical expenses. You shouldn’t have to be the one who pays for someone else’s negligence. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
FAQs:
Common causes of electrocution in Dallas, Texas, are as follows:
– Contact with overhead power lines
– Contact with downed power lines
– Faulty electrical wiring
– Lack of training for utility or electricians
– Improper personal protective equipment
– Unsafe construction sites
– Lack of de-energization of equipment
– Faulty or outdated electrical systems
– Damaged or misused equipment
– Exposed electrical parts
– Water and electricity
Yes. You can sue for electrocution accidents caused by faulty equipment or workplace negligence. Depending on the cause of the accident, it may be the manufacturer, the general contractor, or the employer who may be held responsible.
You can recover the following types of damages after an electrical injury lawsuit:
Economic damages:
– Medical expenses
– Lost wages
– Lost earning capacity
– Vocational rehabilitation
Non-Economic damages:
– Pain and suffering
– Emotional distress
– Loss of enjoyment of life
– Loss of consortium (in cases of wrongful death
The statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of the incident. Individuals have that time to file a personal injury claim, but it is important to file as soon as possible. Too much time between the incident and the claim can make evidence more difficult to gather, weakening your claim and potentially lowering the amount of compensation you can receive.