Electrocution
When a person comes into contact with an electrical source, they may experience injury from an electrical shock. Electric shock injuries can occur anywhere there is electricity. They often arise in the workplace and in or around the home. They can also happen at a business, in a hospital, on a farm, at a school, on a sidewalk, or on a lake. The attorneys at Alianza Jurídica will work with experts in electrical engineering to determine if liability exists as well as the extent of your damages.
Causes Of Electric Shock Injury
- Overhead Power Lines
- Damaged Cords
- Defective Appliances
- Worn Wiring
- Down Power Lines
- Faulty Equipment
- Hazardous Tools
- The Incorrect Use of Extension Cords
- Improper Use of Wiring
Symptoms Of Electric Shock
- Ventricular Fibrillation
- Brain Damage
- Stroke
- Thermal Burns
- Bone Fractures
- Muscle Tears
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
The severity of electrical shock injuries depends on voltage, strength, contact point, length of time the body is in contact with electricity, age and medical condition, and how quickly treatment is received.
Personal Injury Compensation For Electric Shock Injury
Electric shock injuries can result from somebody else’s negligence. If you were shopping at a store, for example, and you came in contact with faulty wiring and sustained an electrical shock injury, the storeowner may be liable for your damage. When this happens, an attorney can help determine whether you can recover compensation through a premise liability claim.
Electric shock injuries can also result from a defective product. For example, if you were using an electrical product such as a tool or home appliance and suffered an electric shock injury, the manufacturer may be held liable. Through the help of a Kansas City electric shock attorney, you can determine whether the manufacturer disregarded specific safety guidelines and is responsible for a product liability claim.
Electric shock injuries can also occur as a result of the negligence of an electric company responsible for power lines. Some statutes make it difficult to sue powerline companies for electrical shock injuries. The Missouri Overhead Power Line Safety Act, R.S.Mo. §319.080, et seq., for instance, makes it illegal for a person to work or bring equipment within 10 feet of a high voltage overhead line that has not been covered or de-energized. But when thoroughly analyzing the facts, liability may still exist against the power company responsible for overhead lines. For example, sometimes people are not aware of a low hanging power line or have asked the power company to de-energize the line, but it fails to do it. These situations give rise to a claim against the power company.
Certain occupations put workers at high risk of electrical shock injuries. Electricians, roofers, construction workers, and heavy equipment operators are prone to the dangers of working near electrical sources. When electric shock injury occurs while at work, workers’ compensation benefits may apply, but there may also be a personal injury claim against a third party.
By investigating the facts of your case, an electrical shock attorney can determine whether you are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, a personal injury claim, or both. It is important that a personal injury investigation happens as soon after the injury as possible. Filing both types of claims can allow you to maximize your compensation if you were hurt while on the job and as a result of the negligence of another party.
Obtain the Compensation You Deserve – Contact a Kansas City Electrical Shock Attorney Today
A Kansas City electrical shock attorney at Alianza Jurídica can investigate your case. We will work with experts in electrical engineering to determine if liability exists and to determine the extent of your damages. With our experienced legal representation, you can recover full and fair compensation for electric shock injury. If you or someone you love has been hurt by an electric shock at home, work, or elsewhere, it is in your best interest to contact our firm as soon as possible at 816-648-7697.