Each year, approximately 700 people are electrocuted on the job. Between 500 and 1000 people die annually after sustaining an electrical shock. Electrical shocks, or electrocution, can occur when a person comes into contact with any source of voltage that is high enough to send an electrical current through the hair or muscles.
Massachusetts electrocution injuries generally result from defective electrical wiring, and most frequently occur at Massachusetts work sites and Massachusetts construction sites. Massachusetts companies undertaking work with electrical equipment at Massachusetts mechanical, industrial and construction work sites, must make sure that their Massachusetts employees are adequately trained in Massachusetts and Federal safety procedures and that all equipment is kept in good repair. Contact with exposed electrical wires, overhead power lines and faulty machinery may cause electrocution. Many Massachusetts electrical shock injuries that occur within the home are the result of using products improperly or using damaged or defective products. Massachusetts utility companies and Massachusetts power line maintenance companies may also be liable for injuries caused by faulty power lines.
Massachusetts electrical shock injuries may include electrical burns, lightning strikes, nerve depolarization, alternating current injuries, muscle depolarization, direct current electrical injuries, electrical flashes, myoglobinuria, myoglobinemia, or even Massachusetts wrongful death. When the outer layer of skin is burned by heat from electricity, it is known as a flash burn. Massachusetts electrothermal burns, which cause damage both on the surface and underneath the skin, are generally more severe. Massachusetts high voltage injuries result from electrical shocks that are more than 600 volts, while Massachusetts low voltage injuries occur from electrical shocks less than 600 volts. Both types of injuries can cause ventricular fibrillation, namely an irregular heartbeat, and high voltage contact can stop the heart completely.
The most frequent injuries that result from a serious Massachusetts electric shock accident include an irregular heartbeat, internal injuries, muscle spasms, nerve damage, cardiac arrest and even wrongful death. The majority of Massachusetts electric shock accidents are the result of defective electrical appliances, such as stoves, microwaves, hairdryers, extension cords and electrical outlets. In addition, damaged underwater lighting fixtures or faulty wiring and pumps in hot tubs and swimming pools can lead to a Massachusetts electric shock accident. The most frequent cause of Massachusetts electric shock incidents are fallen overhead power lines, which lead to approximately 40% of all Massachusetts electric shock deaths. The chances of a fatality in an electric shock accident depend on a multitude of factors, such as the electric currency level, the duration of contact with the voltage and the current’s route and frequency.
Victims of Massachusetts electric shock accidents often need surgery and physical therapy, which can result in a significant amount of time away from work. Permanent physical damage, such as neurological damage and cardiac arrest, in addition to psychological damage, can lead to a long-term or even life-long disability. In the event that the electric shock passes through a Massachusetts resident’s head, such a victim can suffer brain damage. If this is the case, there are a number of serious harms that can result, including permanent memory loss and permanent muscle spasms. Financial costs can quickly escalate when Massachusetts electric shock injuries require a victim to obtain in-home care or expensive medical devices.
The most common Massachusetts electric shock injuries are Massachusetts burn injuries. The three types of burn injuries that may result from an electric shock accident include electric burns, arc burns and thermal contact burns. It is possible for an individual to sustain all three types of burns in one accident. An electric burn occurs when an electric current moves through bone or tissue. The hands and legs are common entry and exit points for these types of burns, respectively. Muscles, arteries, veins and nerves are often affected during the current’s passageway through the body. In the event that the current enters through one hand and out the other hand, there is a high chance that the current’s passageway through the heart will cause ventricular fibrillation.
Ventricular fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat that can lead to cardiac arrest in a Massachusetts resident. When ventricular fibrillation takes place, the heart cells are unable to maintain the necessary pulse to keep blood pumping and thereby circulating through the body, and oftentimes the heart stops beating altogether. Most often, the individual’s only chance at survival in these situations is if the heart is quickly revived, either by a defibrillator or by CPR.
Arc burns are also known as flash burns, and usually occur when a Massachusetts resident sustains a substantial amount of heat from a nearby electrical explosion or electric arc. Thermal contact burns occur when skin comes in contact with an overheated electric conductor or a piece of hot electrical equipment. If the piece of electric equipment is very hot, clothing or other flammable material can ignite and can result in additional burns. Injury can further result from involuntary body movement as a result of the electrocution, which can lead to bruises, sprains, broken bones and head trauma if the victim falls from a considerable height.
Massachusetts worker’s compensation benefits generally cover any injuries that occur while the Massachusetts resident is at work, but such benefits are limited to recovery for medical bills and lost wages. There is no compensation for pain and suffering. Oftentimes, Massachusetts worker’s compensation benefits do not adequately cover all damages.
Aside from an employer, Massachusetts electric shock accidents may be due to the negligence of a third party. Oftentimes, liable third parties include Massachusetts power companies, Massachusetts construction companies and Massachusetts landlords. Manufacturers, product designers and distributors can be held liable in the event that a faulty product leads to an electric shock accident. In these situations, negligence is shown by demonstrating that there was a failure on the part of the employer or third party to adhere to a regulated electrical safety standard.
Fortunately, the National Electrical Code sets indoor electrical safety standards for homes, businesses and work sites. Outdoor standards regarding power lines and power transmission are also set by the National Electrical Code. Massachusetts law provides for certain electrical safety standards in addition to the national requirements. To ensure that young children are protected from the risk of electric shock, it is advised that electrical outlets are covered and electrical cords are kept out of reach. In the event that an electrical issue occurs in the home, a Massachusetts electrician should be called to correct the problem.
Massachusetts has specific time limits for filing an electric shock claim, and it is therefore critical that one of our expert and highly skilled Massachusetts electrocution accident attorneys be obtained at the outset of a Massachusetts electric shock incident to ensure that no filing deadlines are missed. Call our Massachusetts electrocution injury lawyer specialists today at 617-787-3700.
Immediate medical attention is necessary for Massachusetts residents injured in Massachusetts accidents involving electrocution. In serious cases, CPR or defibrillation may be necessary to help the victim to begin breathing again. Powerful electrical currents running through the body may lead to permanent damage, including paralysis, psychological damage and neurological problems.
Second, our expert Boston shock injury legal advocates always provide our clients with exceptional client service. This is as important to us as the outcome of your electrocution accident case. Our Boston electrocution injuries law office keeps every client fully informed of the progress of his or her electrocution accident case. As part of this commitment, all of our electrocution accident clients are copied on all correspondence from us, and we make it a priority to promptly respond to all phone calls and other inquiries from our clients. Our level of client service truly distinguishes us from other Massachusetts electrocution accident law firms. The shock injury attorneys at our Massachusetts electrocution accident law office never act on behalf of a client without first thoroughly discussing the matter at hand with our client and jointly coming to a decision beforehand. Our shock injury accident law office endeavors to represent each of our clients in such a manner that ensures that our clients receive the individualized, detailed attention that their unique electrocution accident case deserves.
Our driving motivations of superior client relations and exceptional legal counsel make us a law firm you can trust.
