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Electrical Injuries
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An electrocution incident is a grave occurrence that may result in lasting harm or even fatality. Such mishaps can transpire in any setting where electric currents are present. Nonetheless, the majority of electrocution events typically take place in workplaces where employees deal with electrical systems and wiring.
It is incumbent upon property owners and employers to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors and workers from electric shock hazards. If you have suffered electrocution as a consequence of another party’s negligence, you might be eligible to pursue a claim for compensation to address your injuries.
When facing the aftermath of an electrocution injury in Massachusetts, it’s essential to have a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney by your side. At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., our dedicated legal team specializes in handling electrocution injury cases. Our priority is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Trust the expertise of Bellotti Law Group, P.C. to guide you through the complexities of your electrocution injury case and fight for your rights in the pursuit of justice. Call us today for a free consultation.
Understanding Negligent Electrocution Incidents
Electric shock transpires when a part of the human body comes into contact with an electricity source, resulting in an electric current coursing through the body. Potential electricity sources include wires, metal, electrical machinery, and power lines.
These conductive materials transmit an electric charge through the body, causing potential harm to the skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Electrical currents are categorized based on their voltage, with electrical current at higher voltage levels inflicting greater damage on the body.
An electrocution event is a severe occurrence that can lead to persistent injuries or, in some cases, be fatal for the individual involved. The extent of the harm hinges on the voltage of the electrical source.
Electricity has the potential to damage the skin by causing serious burns. Moreover, electrocution may negatively affect the nervous system and could result in lasting impairment of internal organs, cognitive abilities, and memory.
In extreme situations, the affected or injured person also may experience ventricular fibrillation, an atypical contraction of the heart muscles. Without prompt treatment, this can cause the heart to stop functioning, leading to a life-threatening injury. If you or someone you care about has been subjected to an electrocution, you may have a basis for pursuing a personal injury lawsuit.
Electrocution incidents can occur in various settings, but certain situations present a heightened risk of electric shock. Workers who regularly handle electricity, such as electricians, construction workers, and power line workers, face the highest likelihood of electrocution. Employees operating machinery in manufacturing or similar occupations can also be at risk if machinery malfunctions.
Electrocution accidents may transpire in residential, public, or commercial buildings if exposed wires or other electrical hazards are present. Property owners and employers who exhibit negligence, leading to electric shock injuries, will be held accountable for the pain and suffering experienced by the victim.
The Impact of Electric Shock on the Body
An electrocution incident is a grave event that can result in lasting injuries or even prove fatal for the victim. The severity of the damage depends on the voltage of the electric source. Electricity can harm the skin by inflicting severe burns on the body. Additionally, electrocution can impair the nervous system and potentially lead to permanent dysfunction of internal organs, cognitive abilities, and memory.
In more extreme cases, the victim may undergo ventricular fibrillation, an irregular contraction of the heart muscles. If left untreated, this condition can cause the heart to cease functioning, resulting in a fatal injury. If you or a loved one has experienced an electrocution, you might have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Electrocution injuries, while rare in Massachusetts, can be severe and may result in disability or even death. Some electrical injuries result from the victim’s carelessness, while others stem from the negligence of electric utility companies. Contact a Boston personal injury lawyer from Bellotti Law Group, P.C. for a free consultation.
Liability for Electrical Injuries
If you have suffered an electrical injury, the type of compensation you may be eligible for depends on the circumstances surrounding the incident. You may file either a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim.
In cases where your electrical injury is the result of another party’s negligence, you may seek to obtain compensation by pursuing a negligence lawsuit.
To successfully recover damages in a negligence lawsuit, you must establish three key elements:
- The existence of a duty of care owed to you by the other party,
- A breach of that duty of care by the other party, typically demonstrated by their failure to act as a reasonable person would in similar circumstances, and
- The occurrence of injury and subsequent damages as a direct consequence of the other party’s breach.
Responsibilities of Electric Utility Companies
Massachusetts mandates that electric utility companies manage their equipment responsibly to prevent accidents involving employees or the general public. Under the National Electric Safety Code, companies must regularly inspect their wires and equipment, addressing any issues discovered during inspections. If a utility company fails to meet these responsibilities and an individual is injured or killed due to damaged equipment, the company may be held legally accountable.
Seeking Justice from Electric Utility Companies
If you or a family member has suffered an electrocution injury, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the electric utility company.
A successful case may result in compensation for medical bills and lost wages. However, electrocution cases can be complex. To win in court, you and your attorney must prove that:
- The electric utility company was negligent and/or failed to adequately inspect and maintain the equipment.
- The negligence and/or lack of inspection and maintenance led to or contributed to the victim’s electrocution injury.
Cases involving violations of the National Electric Safety Code are often more straightforward. However, victims may still be entitled to compensation under different circumstances.
Experiencing an Electrical Injury at Work
In the event that you sustain an electrical injury due to a workplace accident, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation serves as an insurance system that covers medical expenses and reimburses lost wages for employees who suffer injuries while performing their job duties.
Generally, injuries sustained during the course of employment are covered by workers’ compensation. The key distinction between workers’ compensation claims and negligence claims is that there is no requirement to prove any wrongdoing by any party in order to receive benefits through workers’ compensation.
Electrocution Lawsuit Damages
In a majority of states, personal injury lawsuits involving electrical injuries or electrocution offer three primary types of damages:
Economic damages
These damages aim to compensate you for the financial losses stemming from your injury. These losses may consist of medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages (both past and future), and any additional out-of-pocket expenses you have incurred due to the injury.
Non-economic damages
These damages serve to compensate you for the non-financial repercussions of your injury, such as the subjective pain and suffering experienced as a result of the accident.
Punitive damages
These damages are designed to penalize the defendant, and in Massachusetts, these are typically only awarded in cases of wrongful death
Seek Legal Assistance
Electrical deaths are a tragic and devastating occurrence, often resulting from accidents involving high voltage electrical currents. The aftermath of such an event can be overwhelming for the victim’s family, leaving them grappling with grief, mental anguish, and financial burdens. In these situations, it is essential to seek legal assistance from a knowledgeable attorney well-versed in tort law to help recover compensation for the damages incurred.
The American Bar Association notes that personal injury attorneys who represent clients in cases involving electrical deaths understand the complexities surrounding such incidents. They are skilled in identifying the responsible party, be it an individual or an insurance company, and holding them accountable. Injuries resulting from electrical shock can range from mild to severe, with the most extreme cases leading to cardiac arrest and subsequent death. The extent of the injury often depends on factors such as the duration of exposure, the pathway of the electrical current through the body, and the body surface area affected.
When representing clients in cases involving electrical deaths or injuries, personal injury attorneys navigate the nuances of tort law to ensure their clients receive the compensation they deserve. This can include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for mental anguish suffered by the victim or their family. It is vital to have an experienced attorney on your side, as insurance companies may attempt to minimize their liability or offer settlements that do not adequately cover the damages. By working with a skilled personal injury attorney, victims and their families can pursue justice and secure the compensation necessary to cope with the aftermath of an electrical death or injury.
Contact an Attorney
Selecting the right attorney is crucial for a successful outcome in electrocution cases, as not all attorneys possess the expertise to effectively handle such cases.
At Bellotti Law Group, P.C., our competent electrocution attorneys are skilled in evaluating cases and identifying all possible defendants, depending on the circumstances. Multiple parties may be held responsible for an electrocution injury if they contributed to the creation of the hazard or failed to prevent it.
Furthermore, a proficient electrocution attorney at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will obtain testimony from credible expert witnesses who can provide specific insights on medical issues, the National Electric Safety Code, electrical engineering, or other relevant topics. We are committed to building a strong case backed by expert testimonies.
As you proceed with an electrocution injury case, you may have questions and concerns. Our attorneys at Bellotti Law Group, P.C. will be available to answer your questions, clarify important issues, and provide reassurance when needed. We prioritize client communication and satisfaction throughout the legal process. Call us today for a free consultation.