In our modern society, electricity plays an indispensable role in powering our homes, workplaces, and public spaces. As a fundamental aspect of daily life, the potential danger of electricity should not be underestimated. In the event of an electrical incident, contacting an electrical injury lawyer is essential.
Let’s find out the ins and outs of electrical injury and why you may need a legal advisor for the case!
Introduction to Electrical Injury Lawyer
An electrical injury lawyer is a type of personal injury lawyer, who specializes in representing clients suffering from injuries or death due to electrical accidents. The lawyer can help clients receive compensation for their injuries, medical bills, lost wages, as well as pain and suffering.
They can assist clients in filing claims for workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits against liable parties. Electrical injury can occur in a variety of settings, including workplaces, construction sites, and homes. Some law firms typically specialize exclusively in electrocution and shock injury cases.
Types of Electrical Injuries
We accept electricity as part of our daily lives, but sometimes we fail to even acknowledge the inherent danger it poses. Electrical injury occurs when an individual is exposed directly to a low or high-voltage electrical source. According to FlorinRoebig, there are four types of electrical injuries based on the evidence.
1. Flash Injuries
A prompt and extreme shock causes this kind of injury, it’s potentially causing superficial burns. However, it does not involve any electrical current traveling past the skin.
2. Flame Injuries
If your clothing happens to seize an electrical source, it catches fire and causes this type of electrical injury. Additionally, there is probably an electrical current circulating through the body.
3. Lightning Injuries
A lightning contains high-powered electrical current. Contact with this kind of extreme electrical power causes an extreme shock since generally speaking, the electrical power circulates throughout the body.
4. True Injuries
True Injury carries the greatest risk of causing harm. This type of injury happens if a person has become part of a complete electrical circuit, allowing the current to pass through the body. Depending on the visible entry and exit wounds, it can harm nearly every organ in the body.
The danger posed by an electrical shock can vary according to how high the voltage is, the length of exposure, the type of current, and the general status of the person in shock. The body has better resistance to the potential damage after an electric shock rather than the brain.
If a current passes through the weak brain’s neural tissue, electric shock can also cause brain trauma. So, a person with electrical injuries passes through the brain may suffer neurologic consequences, such as depression, reasoning deficits, memory loss, or difficulties performing normal and work-related tasks.
The Role of an Electrical Injury Lawyer
A legal professional with expertise in handling electrical accidents has a specialized understanding of the unique challenges associated with electrical injuries. They work to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. Check out the seven key roles they possess in the explanation below.
1. Gathering Evidence
Electrical injury cases often demand a thorough investigation to meet the root cause of the incident. Gathering evidence such as collecting relevant documents, examining electric systems, analyzing safety protocols, and witness statements to build a strong case.
2. Investigation
Assessing evidence and the circumstances surrounding the electrical injury, to determine the best course of action. A lawyer skilled in this field can deftly prepare the case including the legal documents and notifying the defendant.
3. Establishing Liability
One of the most crucial aspects of any personal injury is determining liability. An electrical injury lawyer will evaluate the circumstances leading to the incident to identify responsible parties.
4. Navigating the Complex Regulations
Electrical injury often involves intricate federal and state regulations. A specialized lawyer in this field understands and swiftly ensures their client’s case complies with all legal requirements.
5. Calculating Damages
An experienced lawyer will help victims calculate the damages accurately to seek fair compensation. In calculation including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
6. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may minimize payout or even attempt to deny the claims altogether. An electrical injury lawyer should be able to negotiate with your insurer to get a fair settlement that covers present and future expenses.
7. Litigation if Necessary
If through negotiation cannot reach a fair settlement, your lawyer can take the case to court. They advocate for you in litigation, presenting a compelling case to ensure a favorable outcome.
The Complexity of Electrical Injury Cases
Due to the technical nature of the incidents, there are some unique sets of challenges in electrical injury cases. More complexity can add up in every stage to establish causation, liability, and damages. Here are some intricacies of electrical injury you should weigh on.
1. Proving Negligence
Understanding the intricacies of electrical systems, codes, and standards is paramount in effectively handling the case. Ultimately, establishing that the defendant was negligent in causing the electrical injury, which may require demonstrating faulty wiring, unsafe condition, and improper safety measures.
2. Dealing with Multiple Liable Parties
In some cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for the injury, such as the manufacturer of the faulty product or a negligence contractor. Identifying, managing, and holding all liable parties can be a complex process.
3. Determining Which Compliance Applies
Electrical injury cases may involve worker’s compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits. Depending on the incident, this can add another level of complexity to the case. Each type of claim applies a different set of rules, procedures, and regulations.
4. Added Case
In cases where a loved one dies due to an electrical injury, the family may file a wrongful death lawsuit. An electrical injury lawyer should be able to provide consultations and explain applicable procedures. Such added case will add another dimension of complexity to the case.
These intricacies highlight the importance of working with an experienced lawyer who has not only outstanding role capability but also the necessary expertise to handle unique challenges.
Pursuing Compensation with an Electrical Injury Lawyer
To pursue compensation there are more challenges and considerations, such as statute of limitation (legal deadlines), evidence preservation, medical documentation, expert testimony, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Almost all electrical injury incidents are accidental and often preventable.
However, if someone suffers an electrical injury and considers filing a lawsuit, examine first if the case meets the criteria. Accordingly, it would be better to consult with an electrical injury lawyer for comprehensive legal advice.
