Electricity is allowing you to read these words right now, yet we rarely think about what an awesome and powerful force it can really be. Unfortunately, that force can sometimes lead to serious injury and even death.
Electrocution is one of construction’s “fatal four”, causing 8.6% of all construction-related deaths in the US. electrical shock also injures over 30,000 Americans each year. When the negligence of a third party leads to an injury from electric shock, you may be able to recover compensation for the damages caused to you by your electrocution injuries through an injury claim.
The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman has over 50 years of experience helping clients and their families to recover full and fair compensation in construction accident claims.
Whether you or a loved one were injured on the job, at home, or otherwise, a Bloomfield electrocution injury lawyer can help you reach a successful settlement or verdict.
Common Electric Shock Injuries
Injuries sustained from electric shock are a result of an electrical current passing through our soft body tissue. As a knowledgeable Bloomfield attorney can attest, the symptoms of electrocution range from minor burns and discomfort to ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest. Here are the most common injuries and how they can be the result of negligent behavior.
- Burns. Many electrocution injuries result in burns which include high voltage burns, low voltage burns, arc burns, and flame burns. It is important to understand that burns caused by electrocution can be internal as well as external. Therefore the viewable damage may not be all there is to see. It is always recommended to see your doctor to understand the full extent of your injury
- Falls. A leading cause of electrocution based injuries on the job is falling from a high location. Construction workers or crane operators may come into contact with live power lines at unsafe heights. Depending on the nature of the fall, these injuries can be quite serious or even fatal
- Electric Shock. Electricity itself can be harmful to the human body without causing burns or other damage. A powerful enough surge is what may cause cardiac arrest or injury to internal organs. Most cases of electrocution are minor, but again, only your doctor can tell you what damage has been done
Electrocution Injuries While Working
If you have suffered an electrocution injury while performing any kind of work-related task, there are two potential ways for you to recover injury compensation, a workers’ compensation claim or a personal injury claim.
Workers’ compensation claims can be filed with your own employer, and do not require proof of fault by any party. However, workers’ compensation does not include pain and suffering damages, usually representing the largest recovery in any personal injury claim.
If, on the other hand, you believe there is an at-fault party (other than your own employer), you may instead wish to file an injury claim. For example, people and entities such as property owners, equipment manufacturers, independent contractors, maintenance personnel and others may all be separately or partially responsible for your electrocution injuries, especially if they do not follow the regulatory guidelines provided by The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Our Bloomfield electrocution injury attorneys can help you find the responsible parties, hold them liable in a personal injury claim, and ultimately secure you the compensation you and your family need and deserve for your medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Electrocution in the Home
In the home, there is a danger of electrocution as well. The biggest culprit of at-home electrical injuries are small appliances like toasters, power tools, and extension cords. Injuries as a result of manufacturer negligence do occur. However, most electrical accidents involving small appliances and extension cords can be deemed user error and it may be difficult to show negligence by a third party.
Electrocution as a result of faulty wiring, poor construction, or pet infestation can lead to much more severe injuries and often give you a stronger case. If you own your home and had construction work, you may be able to hold that company liable for your injuries. If you are a renter, you may be able to file a premises liability claim against the property owner for failing to maintain a safe living environment.
Due to the large variety of different cases which may result in an electrocution injury and the large variety of potentially responsible parties, we recommend contacting our Bloomfield electric shock injury attorneys today to discuss your unique situation, and gain a better understanding of your options and next-steps moving forward.
Contact a Bloomfield Electrocution Injury Attorneys Today
At The Law Office of Fredson Statmore Bitterman, our attorneys have extensive experience helping clients injured by electrocution to recover full and fair compensation in towns throughout New Jersey.
With over 50 years of combined legal experience, and millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts already secured for clients, we believe our track record of success speaks for itself. We are prepared to provide you with the effective, knowledgeable, and individualized service that you and your family needs and deserves in any matter, especially when it comes to electrocution injuries.
To speak with a Bloomfield electrocution injury lawyer today, call our office or fill out our online form.
