Electric shock can occur in any industry and can lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Often, people believe that electric shock injuries are limited to professions that deal with electricity on a regular basis, such as electricians or electric company employees. However, you can suffer a traumatic electric shock in an office setting, in a retail store or even outdoors.
Injuries Caused by Electric Shock
There are many different injuries that can be caused by electric shock. Some of the most common injuries seen after someone has suffered a shock include:
- Brain injuries
- Electrical burns
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Nerve damage
- Neurological damage
- Organ and tissue damage
- Respiratory or cardiovascular injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
In addition, electric shock can lead to death depending on the severity of the shock and where it occurs in the body.
Negligence and Electric Shock
It is possible that the cause of your electric shock was the negligence of someone else. A co-worker may not have secured an electric cord properly or your employer may not have provided you with the proper safety equipment. Machinery can malfunction due to improper manufacturing that could lead to electric shock. There are any number of ways that someone else’s carelessness, negligence or inattention could lead to an electric shock injury.
On the Job
When an electric shock injury occurs on the job, you are eligible for worker’s compensation under Pennsylvania law. Even if the injury was caused by your negligence or that of a co-worker, you are eligible for compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other costs you may incur as a result of your injury. Unfortunately, employers often incorrectly calculate compensation, which is why you need to speak to an attorney after an electric shock injury. Hiring an attorney does not mean you plan to sue your employer. In fact, under the law, you cannot sue your employer for an injury you sustained on the job in most cases. Instead, an attorney will simply look out for your best interests after an injury in the workplace.
If you or a loved one has suffered an electric shock injury, contact Lundy Law to learn what rights you may have under workers’ compensation. If a loved one has died, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Arrange for your no obligation initial consultation by calling 1-800-Lundy Law or completing the easy form online.
