San Diego Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Every year, in the United States alone, about 1,000 deaths are attributed to electrocution.

A sudden discharge of electricity from appliances, power lines, or batteries can result in severe and life-altering injuries. As more corners of our society become powered and digitized, electrocution poses significant risks to individuals of all ages, in a variety of places.

Conger Law can help you understand how and why an electrocution accident happened, and provide guidance on what steps to take afterward. We’ll also explain why it is important to call a lawyer after an electrocution accident, and how to seek fair compensation. Electrocution accidents can be devastating and unexpected, but we can help.

Common Causes of Electrocution Accidents

Electrocution accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Each year, approximately 400 people are electrocuted at home, while a staggering 4,000 individuals suffer electrocution at work. Broken electrical equipment contributes to about 140,000 fires annually, leading to widespread damage and danger. Tragically, these electrical injuries result in 500 to 1,000 deaths every year. Here are some of the most frequent causes of electrocution accidents in San Diego:

Faulty Equipment

One of the primary causes of electrocution accidents is faulty or defective electrical equipment. Manufacturing defects, poorly designed machinery, or unnoticed wear and tear can lead to serious consequences when powerful amounts of electricity are involved.

Improper Grounding

Grounding refers to the process of connecting an electrical device to the earth, or another place where excess electricity is unable to do any harm to your body. Improper grounding of electrical devices can lead to an uncontrolled electrical path. This may cause electricity to flow through unintended routes, including a person touching the device, which causes electrocution. If the electronic machinery is powerful enough, it can cause serious injury or death.

Wet Conditions

Electrocution incidents often occur in wet conditions because water is a good conductor of electricity and provides a path for electricity to flow more easily. When an electrical device is used with wet hands or in a damp environment, the risk of serious electrical shock increases significantly.

Overhead Power Lines

Overhead power lines typically conduct large amounts of high-voltage electricity, making them extremely dangerous to individuals working in close proximity. Contact with overhead power lines is a common cause of electrocution, especially on construction sites or during tree trimming projects. Workers using tall equipment or ladders can accidentally touch these lines, resulting in severe injuries or death.

Poor Wiring

Poor or outdated wiring in buildings can lead to electrical fires and electrocution. Old wires may not be adequately insulated, or they might be overloaded. Both of these factors can increase the risk of electrocution.

Inadequate Maintenance

Electrical systems and equipment require regular maintenance to function safely. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to system failures and electrocution risks.

Lack of Training

Many electrocution incidents occur because individuals aren’t properly trained to handle electrical equipment safely. Not understanding the potential hazards or the proper use of equipment can lead to severe accidents.

Lack of Safety Measures

In workplaces, especially construction sites and factories, the lack of safety measures can put workers at high risk of electrocution. Implementing safety measures such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, following manufacturer guidelines, and ensuring equipment is properly maintained and grounded significantly reduces the risk of electric shock, fires, and other hazards. Safety measures should be designed to address all of the previous risk factors mentioned, including proper maintenance and training procedures.

By prioritizing safety measures and understanding the factors which lead to electrocution accidents, we can create safer environments and mitigate the significant risks associated with electrical work.

Common Injuries from Electrocution Accidents

lectrocution accidents often result in severe injuries due to the powerful and unpredictable nature of electricity. These incidents can lead to significant medical expenses, long recovery periods, and complicated insurance claims. The most common injuries from electrocution accidents include:

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns are one of the most common injuries caused by electrocution. Electrical burns occur when electricity passes through the body, heating the tissue along its path. These burns can be extremely serious, leading to significant tissue damage and requiring extensive medical treatment.

Heart Problems

Electric shocks can disrupt the heart’s rhythm, causing it to beat irregularly or stop altogether. Cardiac issues are one of the most serious risks associated with electrical accidents and can lead to further complications such as brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

Muscle, Nerve, and Tissue Damage

During electrocution, the strong electric current passing through the body can cause significant damage to muscles, nerves, and tissues. This can result in long-term pain, numbness, or paralysis.

Thermal Burns

Oftentimes, injuries sustained during electrical work aren’t due to electrocution at all. Strong electrical currents may generate excessive heat and ignite nearby materials. Burns can occur when a person comes into contact with hot surfaces or flames resulting from an electrical explosion or fire. These burns can vary in severity but are one of the most common electrical injuries, often requiring medical treatment.

Fractures and Dislocations

The force of an electric shock can physically throw a person with significant force, leading to fractures or dislocations. These injuries may require surgical intervention and extended recovery.

Respiratory Problems

An electric shock can interfere with the body’s ability to inhale and exhale, leading to respiratory problems. This could range from difficulty breathing to complete respiratory failure.

Neurological Effects

Electrocution can disrupt electrical systems in the brain, which may cause immediate or delayed neurological effects. These effects may include memory loss, sleep disturbances, changes in behavior, or seizures.

Psychological Trauma

Experiencing an electrocution accident can lead to psychological trauma. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional and mental health issues. These symptoms can be especially significant when combined with other injuries like burns or neurological injury.

Electrical accidents pose significant dangers. The consequences of mishandling electricity can be devastating, illustrating the importance of prioritizing electrical safety. Implementing proper precautions, adhering to regulations, and providing adequate training are just three of the many ways to mitigate electrical accidents.

Find the Right San Diego Electrocution Accident Lawyer for You

Electrical accidents often involve various factors that require careful examination, particularly when determining liability and seeking appropriate legal recourse. If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrical accident, seek guidance from Conger Law Injury Attorneys. Conger Law has extensive experience dealing with injuries stemming from electrical accidents, and can help ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.  Reach out to us at (619)-762-3873 or complete our online form today. We’re ready to help.

Citations

National Library of Medicine, Electrical Injuries
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448087

54 Electrical Accidents & Workplace Injury Statistics, CleanGo
https://www.bookcleango.com/blog/electrical-injury-statistics