What to Do After an Electrical Injury
After experiencing an electrical injury, your primary concern should be seeking immediate medical attention for any resulting injuries.
Document all medical treatments and keep records of associated expenses. If the incident occurred in a public place or on someone else’s property, report it to the relevant authorities or property owner.
In a workplace setting, ensure that the incident is reported to your employer or supervisor.
Document the scene by taking photographs of any faulty electrical equipment or unsafe conditions.
Gather as much information as possible and that you are able to safely.
Preserve evidence such as damaged clothing or equipment that may be relevant to your case.
Get a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Craig L. Cook experienced in electrical injury cases for guidance on your specific situation, understanding your rights, and determining if you have a valid legal claim.
If legal action is pursued, follow the advice of your attorney throughout the process.
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How an Electrical Injury Impacts the Human Body
When an electrical current makes contact with a human body, the current finds a pathway through the body – typically entering at the source of contact and exiting to a grounded surface or another electrical pathway.
The extent of the damage inflected by the electrical shock depends on a few factors, including the voltage of the current, the pathway chosen by the current, and the amount of time the current remains in the body.
Should you survive contact with an electrical source, you may suffer from long-lasting or even permanent injuries from the damage.
An electrical current can cause burns to bodily tissue when it enters and exits the body as well as internal burns as it travels through the body.
It may also affect the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, or musculoskeletal system, causing heart damage (a common cause of death in fatal electrical shocks), seizures, paralysis, respiratory failure, nerve damage, and more.
If an electrical shock causes the victim to fall, other types of injuries may occur.
Pursuing Compensation
When an electrical injury occurs at work, employees may file for workers’ compensation benefits with their employers.
In certain situations, however, employees may also choose to contact an electrical injury lawyer experienced in electrical injury claims.
For example, if a third-party contributes to a work-related injury, the injured employee may pursue a lawsuit against that third-party to recover further damages.
This might occur if a third-party contractor (employed by another company) creates an unsafe work environment or defective equipment is present at a construction site.
Every case is unique, so your electrical injury lawyer will investigate your accident to determine which parties may be held partially or fully liable for the electrical shock.
You may have a claim against a public utility company, a property owner, a general contractor, a building owner, or the manufacturer or distributor of a defective product involved in the accident.
Causes of Electrical Injuries
In many cases, electrical injuries caused by accident are the result of negligence, with common causes including defective products, unsafe property conditions, labor law violations, and improper handling of equipment at work sites.
Occupations especially prone to electrical injuries include construction workers, electricians, roofers, carpenters, maintenance workers, cable installers, tree trimmers, landscapers, mechanics, meter readers, welders, and equipment operators. Electrocution is actually the third-leading cause of death in the construction industry.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the following are the most common causes of electrocutions and other electrical injuries and fatalities in the workplace:
- Contact with overhead power lines
- Failure to properly de-energize electrical equipment prior to commencing work
- Contact with electrical components mistakenly thought to be de-energized due to a mistake in wiring or re-wiring, or misidentified wiring
- Contact with the electric current of a machine, tool, appliance, or light fixture
- Contact with wiring, transformers, or other electrical components
- Contact with buried, underground power lines
Electrical injuries can also occur at home and in commercial spaces through contact with electrical appliances and electrical outlets.
Although electrical shocks at home generally involve low-voltage currents, they may cause burns, muscle damage, and nerve damage.
They’re typically the result of defective products or unsafe property conditions and may involve exposed wires, electrical outlets in unsafe locations, faulty wiring, shorts in appliances due to manufacturing defects, or malfunctioning commercial equipment.
Damages Available in Electrical Injury Cases
Victims of electrical injuries in Arkansas may recover compensation for:
Economic Damages
- Medical Bills: Past and future treatment costs, including rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time away from work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your ability to work is permanently impacted.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for loss of companionship or support.
- Loss of Quality of Life: For permanent disabilities or impairments.
Wrongful Death Claims
In fatal electrical injury cases, surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
Top Questions About Electrical Injury Claims in Arkansas
Liability may fall on:
- Product manufacturers or distributors.
- Property owners or utility companies.
- Employers or contractors.
You may be entitled to economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). In cases of extreme negligence, punitive damages may also apply.
In Arkansas, personal injury claims must generally be filed within three years from the date of injury. Acting promptly ensures evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.
Why Choose Our Electrical Injury Attorneys in Arkansas?
Trusted Advocates for Arkansas Electrical Injury Victims
At The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook, we understand how devastating electrical injuries can be. With over 40 years of experience serving Arkansas clients, our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims hold negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation they deserve.
Arkansas-Specific Expertise in Electrical Injury Law
Electrical injury cases often involve complex liability issues and regulatory standards. Our team is well-versed in Arkansas laws and workplace regulations, ensuring you receive tailored legal representation for your unique situation.
Why You Need an Experienced Electrical Injury Lawyer
Building a Strong Case
Our attorneys collaborate with industry experts to:
- Analyze evidence, including equipment and maintenance records.
- Identify all responsible parties.
- Counter aggressive defenses from insurers and corporate legal teams.
Protecting Your Rights
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts. We handle all communications and negotiations to ensure your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Helping Arkansas Electrical Injury Victims Seek Justice
Compassionate and Experienced Legal Support
At The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook, we are dedicated to helping victims of electrical injuries recover physically, emotionally, and financially. From investigating the cause of your injury to pursuing maximum compensation, we are with you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical injury in Arkansas, contact The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
