Electrical accidents can happen in an instant and when electricity is involved, an instant is all it takes to cause life changing injuries or even death. Surviving an electrical accident can leave victims with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and years of rehabilitation.
At Smith & Baltaxe, LLP, our experienced electrical accident attorneys help those who have been injured in job-related accidents obtain maximum compensation for their suffering. If you or a loved one has experienced electrical accident injuries while on the job, contact our San Francisco, CA law firm to learn more about your legal rights.
Common Causes of Electrical Accidents
An electrical accident can happen nearly anywhere, but most occur while on the job. Certain jobs carry greater risk of electrical accidents, such as jobs in construction, manufacturing, and power line workers. Of these jobs, power line workers are at greatest risk of electrical injuries due to their regular exposure to high voltage power lines.
Electrical accidents have many potential causes. Some common causes of electrical accidents include:
- Missing ground-fault protection
- Misuse of extension cords
- Improper use of electrical equipment
- Improperly installed equipment
- Negligence when using electrical equipment around water
- Lack of proper safety training
- Lack of proper equipment training
- Unsafe work practices
- No ground path or path is discontinuous
Types of Injuries Caused by Electrical Accidents
It doesn't take much exposure to an electrical current to cause injury. In fact, a voltage of only 50 AC or 120 DC may be enough. As voltage increases, it only takes a split second to cause serious injury, or even death.
Those who survive an electrical accident may face catastrophic injuries that will forever alter their quality of life. Burns are some of the most common types of electrical injuries, which can lead to nerve, muscle, and tissue damage, or even amputation.
When electricity travels through the body, it can also cause the heart to go into cardiac arrest, injury to the internal organs, or internal bleeding.
The force of an electric shock can also cause injuries when a person is electrocuted at a height. Workers who are thrown from a ladder or other elevated structure can suffer injuries from both the electrical shock and from their fall. These secondary injuries from a fall may include broken bones, contusions, back injuries, or head injuries.
Preventing Electrical Injuries
The best way to avoid electrical injuries is to take safety precautions when working with or around any electric device to prevent electrical accidents. Some precautions to consider include:
- Inspect electrical wires and equipment before using
- Make sure electrical equipment is properly grounded
- Don't climb a metal ladder around live electricity
- Use electrical equipment only as intended
- Wear protective gear, such as rubber boots and rubber gloves when working with electrical equipment
- Avoid using extension cords
Contact Smith & Baltaxe, LLP
If you have been injured in an electrical accident while on the job, the attorneys of Smith and Baltaxe, LLP can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve. To learn more about your legal options, we encourage you to schedule a consultation.
