How To Win Your Electrical Incident Case

Why the “6–10 Foot Rule” Exists

Electricity does not always require direct contact to cause injury.

High-voltage electricity can arc, meaning it can travel through the air from its source to a nearby person or object. High-voltage environments, such as those found around transmission lines and substations, are especially hazardous due to the potential for arcing.

This means you can be seriously injured without ever touching a wire.

Because of this, safety standards often recommend maintaining a minimum distance—commonly:

10 feet in many high-voltage environments (including Arkansas guidance)
At least 6 feet in certain regulated conditions, including Oklahoma contexts

These recommendations vary because different voltage levels require different safety distances; higher voltage levels increase the risk and distance at which arcing can occur. In electrical distribution, medium voltage (typically 1 to 35 kV) serves as the intermediary between high voltage transmission and low voltage local delivery, and also requires specific safety considerations.

This buffer zone is designed to reduce the risk of electrical current “jumping” from its source.

Epidemiology of Electrical Accidents

Electrical injuries are a significant public health concern, impacting thousands of individuals each year across the globe. In the United States alone, electrical injuries affect approximately 1,000 people annually, with around 400 fatalities resulting from high voltage incidents. The majority of these accidents occur in occupational settings, particularly among workers in construction, electrical trades, and manufacturing, where contact with power lines and high voltage electrical equipment is more common.

Many electrical accidents are linked to direct or indirect contact with energized power lines, improper use of electrical equipment, or a lack of adequate safety measures. High voltage environments pose the greatest risk, but even low voltage incidents can result in severe injury or death. Understanding these patterns is essential for developing targeted prevention strategies and improving workplace safety standards. By recognizing the environments and activities most associated with electrical injuries, employers and individuals can take proactive steps to reduce risk and protect lives.

What Can Happen If You’re Too Close

Electrical exposure can cause a wide range of injuries—many of which are severe and life-altering.

These include:

True electrical injuries: These occur when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit, with current passing between contact points—typically the entry and exit sites. The path of current passing through the body can cause severe internal damage, including muscle necrosis and organ injury, even if external signs are minimal. Blood vessels, due to their high water and electrolyte content, conduct electricity well, which can increase the risk of internal tissue damage along the current pathway.
Thermal burns: Heat generated by electrical arcs or flames during electrical incidents can cause thermal burns on the skin surface. These burns may vary in depth and severity, and are an important component of injury assessment.
Visible burns: While visible burns at contact points or along the skin surface are common, their presence does not always reflect the extent of internal damage. The absence of visible burns does not rule out serious injury, as significant internal tissue and organ damage can occur without obvious external signs.
Internal burns and damage: Electrical current can cause deep internal burns and internal damage, including muscle and organ injury, which may not be apparent on the skin surface. This internal damage can lead to complications such as compartment syndrome and requires careful clinical assessment.
Influence of skin resistance and body resistance: The severity of burns and internal injury is influenced by skin resistance and overall body resistance. Dry, thick, or keratinized skin surface increases resistance, which can affect how much electrical energy is dissipated externally versus internally. Lower resistance allows more current passing through the body, increasing the risk of severe internal damage.

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for proper assessment and management of electrical incident cases.

Electrical Burns

These can occur externally or internally. Internal burns are especially dangerous because they may not be immediately visible but can cause significant tissue damage.

Cardiac Complications

Electric shock can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, potentially leading to cardiac arrest or long-term heart issues. Electrical injuries can also cause electrolyte imbalances, which may contribute to cardiac complications.

Nerve Damage

Electricity can interfere with the nervous system, leading to:

Loss of sensation
Chronic pain
Muscle weakness

Secondary Injuries

Electrical shock often causes sudden muscle contraction or disorientation, which can lead to:

Falls from ladders or heights
Head injuries
Broken bones

In many cases, these secondary injuries are just as serious as the electrical exposure itself.

Where These Risks Commonly Occur Near Power Lines

Electrical hazards are not limited to one setting. They can appear in both public and private environments.

Common scenarios include:

Construction sites
Utility work zones
Residential areas with downed power lines
Homes with faulty household wiring, damaged electrical outlets, or unsafe use of electrical cords and extension cords
Areas where household appliances or electrical appliances are used at consumption points such as outlets
Commercial properties with poor maintenance
Workplaces with exposed or faulty wiring or improper power supply connections

Improper use of electric cords and extension cords can lead to electrical incidents, including shocks and fires. Electrical appliances at consumption points (like outlets) are common sites for electrical injuries. Ensuring a safe power supply is crucial in both home and workplace environments.

In each of these situations, maintaining proper distance is a key safety expectation.

How Distance Becomes a Legal Factor

In an electrical injury case, distance is not just about safety—it can directly impact liability.

When evaluating a claim, insurance companies and legal teams often ask:

Was the hazard properly secured?
Were warning signs or barriers in place?
Did the injured person have a reasonable opportunity to avoid the risk?
Was the recommended safety distance maintained?
Did an electrical fault, such as a short circuit or insulation failure, contribute to the incident?
Were circuit breakers or other protective devices properly installed and functioning?
Was the electrical system and power system properly maintained to prevent hazards?
Was the equipment supplied power safely and according to regulations?

These questions help determine who is responsible for the injury.

When Distance Works In Your Favor

There are many situations where maintaining a safe distance actually strengthens your case.

For example:

You were in a designated safe area, but electricity arced beyond expected limits
A hazard was not properly marked or contained
A power line or electrical source failed unexpectedly
A worksite did not follow required safety protocols

In these cases, the focus shifts to:

Negligence by the responsible party
Failure to meet safety standards
Lack of proper warnings or protections

When Distance Becomes a Disputed Issue

On the other hand, insurance companies may try to use distance against you.

They may argue:

You were too close to a known hazard
You ignored visible warnings
You failed to follow safety guidelines

This is especially common in workplace or construction-related cases.

However, these arguments are not always accurate or complete.

An experienced legal approach looks deeper at:

Whether the hazard was properly secured
Whether safety measures were adequate
Whether the situation was avoidable given the circumstances

Distance is just one factor—it does not automatically determine fault.

Electrical Injuries in Workplace Settings

Many electrical injury cases occur in work environments, particularly in:

Construction
Maintenance
Utility services
Industrial settings
Electrical work, which is considered a high-risk activity due to the potential for electrical faults and exposure to hazardous energy

In these environments, both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) sources are present, each posing unique risks to workers. For example, DC shocks can have different physiological effects compared to AC, and may sometimes be better tolerated, but both can cause serious harm.

In these cases, employers and site managers have a responsibility to:

Identify electrical hazards
Provide proper training
Enforce safety distances
Ensure protective equipment is used, especially during electrical work to prevent injuries such as flame injuries, which can occur if an arc flash ignites clothing and causes thermal burns

If these responsibilities are not met, the liability may extend beyond the individual worker.

This can involve:

Employers
Contractors
Property owners
Equipment manufacturers

Understanding who is responsible is a key part of building a strong case.

Why Documentation Matters in These Cases

Electrical injury cases often rely heavily on evidence.

Important documentation may include:

Incident reports
OSHA or safety compliance records
Photos or videos of the scene
Witness statements
Medical records detailing the injury

Because electrical hazards can change quickly (especially in outdoor or worksite environments), early documentation is critical.

Insurance and Compensation

When an electrical accident occurs, insurance and compensation become critical lifelines for injured individuals and their families. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to provide financial support for employees who suffer electrical injuries on the job, covering medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. In addition to workers’ compensation, some regions have specific laws and regulations that address electrical safety and may offer additional compensation if an injury results from negligence or failure to comply with safety standards.

Understanding your rights is essential. If a ground fault circuit interrupter or other electrical safety device failed to prevent an electric shock, or if alternating current or electric current hazards were not properly managed, you may be entitled to further compensation. Navigating the claims process can be complex, so it’s important to document the incident thoroughly and seek legal guidance if needed. Knowing how electrical safety measures—such as ground fault circuit protection—should function can also strengthen your case and ensure you receive the support you deserve.

The Long-Term Impact of Electrical Injuries

Electrical injuries are often more serious than they initially appear.

Long-term effects may include:

Chronic pain
Neurological complications
Cognitive changes
Ongoing cardiac issues
Reduced ability to work

In some cases, the full impact of the injury may not be clear until weeks or months later.

This is why proper evaluation and legal consideration are important from the beginning.

The Bottom Line

The “6-foot” or “10-foot” rule exists for a reason.

Distance is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of electrical injury—but it is not a guarantee of safety.

When an injury does occur, that distance can become a key factor in determining:

What happened
Who is responsible
What compensation may be available

Understanding how these cases are evaluated can help you make more informed decisions moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can electricity really injure you without touching it?

Yes. High-voltage electricity can arc through the air, meaning direct contact is not required for injury.

Why are there different distance guidelines (6 feet vs. 10 feet)?

The recommended distance depends on the voltage level and environment. Higher voltage typically requires greater distance for safety.

What should I do if I’m near a downed power line?

Stay as far away as possible—at least 30 feet if possible—and contact emergency services immediately. Never assume a line is safe.

Can I still have a case if I was close to the hazard?

Yes. Liability depends on multiple factors, including whether the hazard was properly secured and whether adequate warnings were provided.

Who can be held responsible in an electrical injury case?

Depending on the situation, liability may involve property owners, employers, contractors, or utility companies.

Are electrical injuries always immediately obvious?

No. Some injuries—especially internal burns or nerve damage—may not appear right away and can worsen over time.

Additional Resources and Support

Recovering from electrical injuries often requires more than just medical treatment—it also involves emotional support, rehabilitation, and access to reliable information. Organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offer valuable resources on electrical safety, prevention, and best practices for handling high voltage electrical energy and electrical equipment.

Support groups, counseling services, and online communities can help individuals and families cope with the aftermath of electrical trauma. Advances in medical technology, such as electrical stimulation therapies, have improved outcomes for those recovering from severe electrical injuries. Staying informed about the latest developments in electrical safety, electrical devices, and occupational safety standards can empower you to prevent future incidents and advocate for safer environments. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of electrical hazards at work or at home, leveraging these resources can make a meaningful difference in your recovery journey.

Moving Forward

Electrical injuries can be complex, both medically and legally.

If you or someone you care about has been injured due to an electrical hazard, understanding your options early can make a meaningful difference.

For guidance on your situation, reach out to Craig L. Cook Law at 479-783-8000.

We work for working people.

Why Staying 10 Feet Away Can Win Your Electrical Incident Case