Columbia Electrocution Injury Lawyer
An electrocution happens whenever an electric shock moves through the body. Minor shocks from static electricity buildup or household appliances with shorts or exposed wires are common. These shocks can provide a little discomfort but rarely lead to substantial injuries.
Electrocutions that involve exposure to greater amounts of current can lead to substantial injuries and even death. When these more substantial injuries result from negligence, you have the right to bring a lawsuit with assistance from a seasoned personal injury attorney. A Columbia electrocution injury lawyer could help you explore how much your case is worth based on your injuries.
Severity of Electrocution Injuries
Several factors impact the severity of electrocution injuries. The primary factor is the amount of current that hits a person’s body. The type of current, voltage, and length of exposure can also impact the likelihood of injuries. One of the risky parts of an electrocution injury is that it can cause a person’s muscles to seize, making it impossible for them to let go of whatever they are holding and prolonging the exposure to the electric current.
The greater the exposure in terms of current, voltage, and length of time, the more likely a person is to have severe injuries as a result of electrocution. If the injured person experiences anything more than the type of shock people associate with static electricity, they need to seek medical care. Many injuries from electric shocks are not immediately apparent. For example, internal injuries and some burns may not show up on the surface of the skin. In addition to ensuring that someone does not have any substantial injuries, a medical review can help a Columbia electrocution injury lawyer establish injuries in a lawsuit.
How People Get Electrocution Injuries
There are many ways to get electrocution injuries due to a person’s own carelessness. However, the reckless or negligent behavior of others can contribute to electrocution injuries as well. Some causes of electrocution include:
- Faulty wiring
- Defective products
- Contact a power line
- Electrical arcs from power lines
- Exposed sources of electricity
Knowing the cause of the injury is essential because it helps determine whether another person may be liable for someone’s electrocution injuries. Electrocution injuries that seem similar can have different causes. For example, someone could shock themselves on exposed wires on an electrical appliance at home. If the product is new and the exposed wires are due to a design defect, they could have a product liability case. In contrast, if the product is years old and the exposed wires are due to wear and tear, there may not be a personal injury case.
When another party’s negligence contributes to an electrocution injury, then the victim may have a personal injury claim against them. A Columbia attorney who handles electrocution injury claims can help injured people explore their potential remedies.
Elements of an Electrocution Personal Injury Case
There are four elements of any personal injury case, including electrocution injury cases:
- The defendant had a legal duty to the injured person
- The defendant breached that duty
- The duty led to an injury
- The injury led to damages
When electrocution happens in the workplace, the injured party may not have to establish the elements of a personal injury claim. They may be able to bring a workers’ compensation claim. To establish a workers’ compensation claim, they only have to demonstrate that the injury occurred in the course of employment, not that the employer was negligent. These cases are easier to prove, but damages are usually smaller in workers’ compensation claims.
Meet With a Columbia Electrocution Injury Lawyer
Electrocution can lead to severe, life-altering injuries. In addition to burns, they can lead to damage to your internal organs, cardiac arrest, and more. Recovery can be painful, lengthy, and expensive. For some people, a full recovery is impossible, which can lead to a lifelong reduction in earning capacity. When you are injured by electricity, schedule a consultation with a Columbia electrocution injury lawyer.