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Frequently Asked Questions: Burns / Electric Shocks
Frequently Asked Questions: Personal Injury
Article: Electric Shocks
Electric shock results from exposure to an electric current from natural sources, such as lightening, as well as mechanical sources. » More …
Frequently Asked Questions
Burns / Electric Shocks
- What is an electric shock?
- What are some common sources of electric shock?
- How do I know if I’ve suffered an electric shock?
- What should I do if I’ve been exposed to a dangerous electric current at work?
- What are the most common side effects of electric shock?
- Can electric shock cause death?
- How often do people recover from electric shock?
- What can be done to treat an electric burn?
- What can be done to treat internal injuries resulting from shock?
What is an electric shock?
Electric shock is the result of exposure to an electric current. Since the body is a good conductor of electricity, electric currents can pass through with ease. When a current passes through, an electric burn occurs. Burns can damage skin, tissue, bone, and muscle. One way to detect an electric burn is the presence of wounds on the body where the current entered and exited. Entry wounds typically appear on the hands and exit wounds appear on the hands or feet. Even though electrical burns may appear minor on the surface, there can be significant internal damage to vital organs and tissue.
What are some common sources of electric shock?
The source of an electric current can be natural, such as lightening strikes. However, in the litigation context, the causes of electric shock tend to be mechanical. Some common mechanical sources of electric shock include defective or unsafe power outlets, wiring, appliances, and electrical equipment, overheated light-fittings, while drilling or coming into contact with power lines, biting or chewing on electrical cords, or inserting metal objects into power outlets.
How do I know if I’ve suffered an electric shock?
A person exposed to an electric current will have burns where the current entered and exited the body. The most common places to find burns are on the hands, heels, and head. Shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and chest pain may indicate internal injuries. Pain in the hands and feet, or a deformity of the body, may indicate an injury to the bones.
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to a dangerous electric current at work?
If you've been exposed to an unsafe electrical current, you should immediately see a doctor. Try to preserve the area at work where the incident occurred as best as possible and collect any vital information. This will help you prove the circumstances surrounding your injury and any responsibilities neglected by your employer. A competent attorney can help guide you through this process and connect you with accident investigators to preserve your claim.
What are the most common side effects of electric shock?
The primary injury is caused by the electric current passing through the body and vital organs resulting in internal and surface burns. If the current passes through the brain or spinal cord, neurological impairments can result that can affect thinking, sensation, coordination, movement, anxiety levels, and mood. Secondary injuries can result from muscle spasms that occur during shock, falls or collisions that occur due to the loss of control and balance, or arcs that are ejected by faulty electrical equipment.
Can electric shock cause death?
Yes. Currents that pass through the vital organs, when strong enough (typically, greater than 500 volts), can result in death. This is called electrocution. The most common cause of death from electric shock is via infection following burn. Approximately 1,000 people in the United States die from electric shock each year. If an electric shock is fatal, California law allows for certain persons to sue and collect damages on behalf of the deceased victim (see Wrongful Death).
How often do people recover from electric shock?
The prognosis depends on the percentage of the body burned. If the burns are not severe, the chances of survival are high. Currents that pass through the brain may have long-term affects on mood and anxiety, and can result in permanent seizure disorder.
What can be done to treat an electric burn?
On the surface of the body, severe burns may require surgery to clean the wound and removed damages skin and tissue. Severe burns may also carry a need for skin grafting.
What can be done to treat internal injuries resulting from shock?
Depending on the location of the injury, your injury may require the attention of a specialist. Specialists are used to observe and monitor the extent of the injury and are sometimes needed to operate on the particular area of the body.
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