The Dangers of Injuries from Exposed Electrical Wires

Electrocutions and electrical burn injuries can happen to anyone. Exposed wiring is the primary reason for these injuries, which can occur due to unsafe premises, low-quality wiring materials, poor electrical maintenance, or construction site and other workplace accidents. The consequences of exposed electrical wire accidents can be catastrophic making it important to work with an experienced and qualified electrocution injury lawyer.

Common Electrical Injuries in Atlanta

Low-voltage electricity (less than 500 volts) usually doesn’t cause significant injuries. Besides, if the voltage increases beyond 500 volts, it may cause serious injuries to the victim. Exposed wiring can result in different types of injuries, such as:

• Burns: These are among the most serious injuries in an electrocution accident. Burns are most severe when the electrical wire came into contact with the skin or the place from where the electrical current left the body. Severe burns may damage multiple layers of tissue and skin. It may require painful and extensive treatment. This includes the removal of skin grafts and dead tissue. In many cases, electrical burns can also lead to disfigurement.
• Organ damage: Electrical current has the potential to burn and damage the heart and other internal organs. You need to get help right away following an accident. Paramedics will be able to diagnose any potential internal injuries.
• Brain damage: Massive electrical shocks can cause severe and permanent brain damage. Brain injury victims can suffer depression, seizures, permanent cognitive impairment, and shock following electrocution.
• Hearing or vision damage: Victims of an electrical accident can lose their hearing or become blind. In many cases, the victims don’t lose their sensory abilities completely, but partially.
• Broken bones: Electrocution may cause a person to fall from a height. Victims may suffer additional injuries in the form of broken bones. Concussions, fractures, organ damage, and spinal cord injuries are also common after falling down.

Factors Impacting the Severity of Injuries in an Exposed Electrical Wiring Accident

Electrocution from exposed wiring can cause serious damage to the body – both externally and internally. Generally, internal injuries are not as immediately obvious as an external injury. In relation to this, these can be life-threatening and should be diagnosed and treated quickly. These factors may determine the extent of injury:

• Injured victim’s age and general health condition.
• Voltage of the current.
• Length of exposure to electrical current.
• Amount of current flowing through the body.

Whether you suffer a minor shock or major injuries, you should always get yourself checked immediately. You may suffer from concussions or internal injuries that may not be readily apparent.

Types of Compensation in a Georgia Electrocution Accident

You may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit if you were injured in an electrical accident because of the fault of another party. The person or entity that acted negligently and caused your accident can be held liable for the damages you suffered. Your attorney will collect evidence and prove the negligence of the at-fault party that led to the exposed electrical wires and your ensuing accident and injuries.

Personal injury lawsuits allow victims to seek compensation for electrocution accident damages, which may include: 

• Medical costs.
• Future medical and rehabilitation expenses.
• Lost wages.
• Future loss of income.
• Pain and suffering.
• Emotional distress.
• Burns, disfigurement, and scarring.
• Punitive damages in exceptional cases.

If someone suffers fatal injuries in an electrocution accident, the surviving family members can seek damages by filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit can include:

• Funeral or burial costs.
• Loss of financial support.
• Loss of care and consortium.

Construction workers at job sites are the largest workforce exposed to the risk of electrocution injuries. You may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries. At the same time, you may also be able to file an injury lawsuit against the contractors, subcontractors, electrical company, maintenance provider, wiring manufacturer, and any other third party that contributed to your accident and injuries. 

Legal Elements of a Successful Electrocution Accident Claim

You may have grounds to file a personal injury claim depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your accident. Moreover, to file a successful claim, you would need to demonstrate the following:

• You were owed a duty of care by the responsible party.
• The party breached this duty of care.
• The breach of duty of care caused the injuries.
• You suffered compensable damages because of the accident and resulting injury.

You may be able to recover financial compensation under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance if the injury took place at work. Your homeowner’s insurance policy may be used to cover any accident that takes place at your home. You should speak with a skilled personal injury attorney to evaluate existing choices and determine the best strategy to pursue compensation.

An attorney can help you with the following:

• Navigate the personal injury claim process.
• Handle negotiations and communications with the insurance company.
• Fight on your behalf for full and fair compensation.

Our Reputable Personal Injury Lawyers are Ready to Fight for You

If you or someone you love has suffered electrical injuries, the experienced electrocution injury attorneys at DuBose Miller can help you file a personal injury lawsuit and get the compensation and justice you deserve. Our attorneys are determined to fight for your rights and will pursue a robust legal strategy to help you obtain the largest possible financial compensation for your electrical injuries and losses.

To schedule your free and confidential consultation with us, give us a call at (404) 720-8111 or write to us online.