Illinois Electrocution Attorneys
Electrical shock injuries can occur at home, at work, or anywhere there are electrical products present. Did you know that electrical outlets and devices that operate with a hitch may mean negligent installation and poor infrastructure maintenance? Our injury attorneys in Illinois are ready to take on your case if you think you have been a victim of an electrical shock injury.
According to ESFI, more than 21,000 workers in the U.S. have been injured and 1,500 have died in workplace electrical accidents since 2008. Additionally, 64 percent of all electrical fatalities on the job occur in occupations that traditionally receive little-to-no electrical training, such as landscaping, roofing, welding, plumbing and truck driving. A lack of training can mean that an employer is liable for any electrical injuries that occur on the job. Every person can have a different reaction to an electric shock and these types of injuries can create repercussions such as burns of the skin and tissue due to overheating. There are two classifications of shock: primary and secondary.
Primary Shock
If an electrical current has passed through the body, this is considered a primary shock injury. This correlates with the amount of electrical energy of the shock and if the tissues become heated enough to be damaged or burned. While primary shock focuses more on the skin’s surface, a higher voltage can cause damage within the body. A common result of primary shock is nerve injury, which is a possibility no matter how brief the shock was.
Secondary Shock
If you cannot get away from the source of the shock, it’s possible you can obtain a secondary injury. When muscles become contracted by electricity, they cannot let go of the source. The effort to break free becomes overwhelming and the shock can last longer. As a result, soft tissues can be injured and tears may happen. In some cases, bones may even break.
What Happens If You Have an Electrical Shock Injury?
If you think you or someone you know has suffered from an electric shock injury, go to the hospital’s emergency room as soon as possible. Additionally, you should call the authorities for instructions on what to do next. Some, but not all, related injuries include:
- Internal and/or external burns
- Brain injuries
- Heart fibrillation
- Cardiac arrest
- Death by electrocution
This type of injury falls into a narrow and complex area of law. Once your electrical shock injury has been medically treated, you may decide to pursue legal action. You can reach out to an injury attorney in Illinois to help you determine if you have a case.
Electrical Shock Injury Facts
Arbill notes that electricity has become such an ingrained part of our daily lives, and yet it is still incredibly dangerous when not treated with respect and proper safety procedures. In 2016, for every 34 fatalities from any possible cause, one of them was an electrical fatality. Here are some important facts to know when dealing with these injuries:
- Electrical hazards are listed as the cause of roughly 4,000 injuries annually
- Electrical incidents are far more likely to be fatal.
- Each year, electricity causes more than 140,000 fires. The result? 400 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and $1.6 billion in property damage.
The Law Office of Daniel E Goodman, LLC is committed to providing clients with the best possible results. For over 30 years, we have handled thousands of personal injury cases and helped clients receive maximum compensation for their injuries. All of our clients are treated with professionalism and dedication, and we are ready to take on your electrical shock injury case. As an injury attorney in Illinois, all of our staff is here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.