Electrocution

We encounter electricity every day. Light bulbs, electrical outlets and appliances, and even lightning are part of our daily lives. Most of us never consider that the same electrical energy that powers our world harnesses the power to harm us as well.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of an electrical injury, you probably have many questions. Could the injury have been prevented? Can someone else be held responsible for what happened? Are you or your loved one entitled to compensation to pay for medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses caused by the electrocution?

Fort Lauderdale Electrocution Injury Attorneys

The attorneys at Levine & Glassman, P.A., are here to answer those questions. Our attorneys are experienced in all kinds of personal injury law, including electrocution injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed as the result of electrocution, contact us today at (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form immediately to schedule your free consultation. We represent clients all over South East Florida, including Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties.

Electrocution Injuries Information Center

• What are the most common types of electrocution?
• What are some of the causes of electrocutions?
• What kind of injuries can result from electrocution?
• What is first aid for electrocution?
• Where can I find further information on burns?
• How can Levine & Glassman, P.A., help me?

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Types of Electrocution

There are many types of electrocution accidents that might occur. These are the most common types of electrocution. Anyone who is working with electricity should take all necessary precautions to prevent these and other types of electrocution.

• Construction site accidents
• Electrocution by lightning
• Coming into contact with a downed power line
• Electrocution due to faulty wiring
• Electrocution due to defective equipment/appliances
• Coming into contact with an underground power line
• Inserting an object into a power outlet
• Attempting to alter/change an electrical device or appliance

Following your accident, it’s a good idea to write down all of the details of the accident: where you were, who you were with, what you remember happening, and what injuries resulted. You should also have witnesses to the event write down what they saw, and take pictures of all of your injuries. You may think that you will never forget the day of your accident, but your case could take years to come to trial. Documenting the details now will help you prove your case later.

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Causes of Electrocution

Any source of electricity could be potentially dangerous and cause an electrocution. Some particular causes of electrocutions occur either in the workplace or from defective products of various types. Particular offenders for these types of electrocutions are as follows:

• Workplace Electrocutions
  • Improperly installed wiring
  • Downed power lines
  • Metal ladders being used in the vicinity of overhead power lines
  • Lack of proper training
  • Failure to comply with OHSA standards
  • Substandard protective equipment
• Defective Product Electrocutions
  • Microwaves
  • Power Tools
  • Household Appliances
  • Extension Cords / Power Cords
  • Hairdryers / Curling Irons

Even with proper care, electrical objects can be a danger to their users. If you've been electrocuted due to faulty equipment or unsafe workplace conditions, you may be entitled to receive compensation for the damages you have endured.

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Electrocution Injuries

Different types of electrocution can result in different injuries. These are not the only kinds of injuries that might be suffered following electrocution. It is important to remember that there are other, non-physical injuries that victims of electrocution might suffer, such as loss of wages. These kind of expenses might also be compensable, and you should talk to your attorney about those options.

• Burns: the severity of electrical burns depends on the duration of the charge, the voltage, and how the current travels through the body. Electrical burns are unique because they all have an exit wound, where the current left the victim’s body
• Seizures or muscle spasms
• Internal organ damage
• Heart failure
• Brain damage
• Loss of consciousness
• Thermal burns: due to the heat produced by the electricity
• Death due to any of the above injuries

Injuries from electrical shock can cause permanent disfigurement and disability. Some victims are left unable to work, while others are forced to change professions, or remain off-the-job while they heal from their injuries. Some victims require extensive medical care, some for the rest of their lives. You should talk to your Florida personal injury attorney about what kind of expenses you have incurred due to your injuries, as you might be entitled to compensation for those expenses.

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Electrocution First Aid

If you come into contact with someone who is being electrocuted, there are steps you can take to provide first aid while assuring you do not become a victim yourself.

1. Do not touch the person directly if they are still in contact with live electricity! If the person is still in contact with the electrical source, either turn the power off or separate them from the power source before you touch them. You should use a non-conductive (wooden) object to separate them from the electrical source. Failing to do so could result in your being electrocuted as well.

2. Call 911 immediately.

3. Check the victim’s breathing and begin CPR immediately if they are not breathing. If they are breathing, continually monitor the victim to insure that they keep breathing. Sometimes, electrocution can cause the victim’s throat to swell, cutting off breathing.

4. If the victim is unconscious, do not move the victim. Moving the victim can cause back or neck injuries. Continue to monitor their breathing and wait for medical professionals to arrive.

5. If the victim is conscious, they may feel sick following the electrocution. They might complain of a “pins and needles” feeling or feel nauseous or vomit. You should remain with the victim, monitoring breathing, until medical professionals arrive. All electrocution victims – even those who are conscious – should seek medical attention, to check for heart or brain damage.

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Electrocution Resources:

Web MD article on Electrocution - More information on electrocution injuries

Burn Survivor Resource Center - Resources and support for victims of burns, including electrical burns

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How We Can Help

If you have been injured by electrocution, the attorneys at Levine & Glassman are ready to listen to your story and help you get the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can assess whether or not your injury was the result of another person’s negligent or intentional conduct. If someone else is responsible for your injuries, our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and ability to fight for you.

You have a limited amount of time to file your personal injury claim. If you have been suffered an electrical injury in the Southeast Florida area, including the cities of Miami, Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, you should contact us today. Simply call (954) 332-6100 or fill out our online case evaluation form to schedule your free consultation.