What Are the Four Main Types of Electrical Injuries?

Electrical injuries are among the most severe types of accidents, often causing lasting physical, emotional, and financial harm to victims and their families. Understanding what are the four main types of electrical injuries is crucial for anyone who has suffered such trauma. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’ve helped countless individuals across Ohio recover compensation after life-altering electrical accidents. Our legal expertise can help you pursue justice and get the support you need to rebuild your life.

Why Do Electrical Injuries Occur?

These events occur when a person comes into contact with an electrical current, which can disrupt the body’s normal functions and cause significant physical damage. These injuries frequently arise in workplace settings, such as construction sites or factories, but can also occur at home due to defective appliances, faulty wiring, or improper electrical installations.

The most common causes of electrical injuries include:

Direct contact with live wires or equipment: When individuals unknowingly or accidentally touch exposed electrical components.
Faulty electrical systems: Poor maintenance, aging infrastructure, or code violations can lead to dangerous shocks or fires.
Arc flashes and blasts: These are sudden bursts of energy caused by electrical faults, often resulting in severe burns or other injuries.
Lightning strikes: While rare, lightning strikes are a natural form of electrical injury.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) identifies electricity as one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, particularly in industries like construction and manufacturing. Proper safety protocols can prevent many of these incidents, but victims may have grounds for legal action when negligence occurs.

What Are the Four Main Types of Electrical Injuries?

When answering this question, it’s essential to comprehend the distinct ways electricity can harm the human body. The four primary types include:

1. Electrocution

It is a fatal injury caused by exposure to high-voltage electrical currents. This occurs when the electric shock disrupts vital bodily functions, such as the heart’s rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest. Tragically, many electrocution incidents happen in the workplace, particularly in jobs involving high-risk environments like power lines, heavy machinery, or construction sites.

Employers are required to implement strict safety measures, but violations or negligence can lead to preventable deaths. Families of victims often pursue wrongful death claims to hold liable parties accountable.

2. Electrical Burns

They are one of the most common outcomes of contact with electrical currents. These injuries result when electricity generates heat as it passes through tissues, causing severe damage to the skin, muscles, and even bones.

Electrical burns often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. They are unique in that the external wounds may seem minor, but internal damage can be far more severe.

3. Electric Shock

This occurs when the body becomes part of an electrical circuit, allowing current to flow through it. The severity of an electric shock depends on factors such as the voltage, duration of contact, and the path the current takes through the body.

Mild shocks may cause tingling or numbness, while severe shocks can lead to muscle spasms, nerve damage, or loss of consciousness. In some cases, electric shock can cause long-term neurological issues or internal injuries that require years of medical care.

4. Secondary Injuries

Secondary injuries refer to physical harm caused indirectly by an electrical incident. For example, an individual might fall from a ladder after experiencing an electric shock or suffer injuries during an explosion caused by an arc blast. These injuries can include broken bones, concussions, or other trauma that compounds the primary electrical injury.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information highlights that secondary injuries often occur alongside other types of electrical harm, complicating recovery and increasing the need for comprehensive medical care.

Who Can Be Liable for Electrical Injuries?

Determining liability for electrical injuries depends on the circumstances of the accident. Often, multiple parties may be held responsible for the damages. Some common examples include:

Employers: They are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment, follow OSHA standards, and adequately train employees in workplace settings. Failing to do so can result in liability for injuries or fatalities.
Property owners: Landlords, business owners, or homeowners who fail to address electrical hazards can be held responsible for injuries caused by their negligence.
Product manufacturers: When defective electrical products or appliances cause injuries, the manufacturer or distributor may be accountable under product liability laws.
Contractors or electricians: Improper installation or maintenance by professionals can create hazardous conditions that lead to electrical injuries.

How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You

At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’ve spent decades helping Ohio residents seek justice after devastating accidents, including electrical injuries. These cases are legally and medically complicated, often involving multiple responsible parties and significant long-term consequences. A personal injury lawyer plays a vital role in dealing with these challenges and ensuring those affected receive the compensation they deserve.

Here’s how an attorney can help:

Investigating liability:
Lawyers investigate the circumstances of the accident, gathering evidence such as safety records, expert testimony, and accident reports to identify the responsible party. This could include negligent employers, property owners, product manufacturers, or contractors.
Navigating regulations and safety standards:
Attorneys are well-versed in regulations like those established by OSHA (https://www.osha.gov/electrical). These standards are often crucial in proving that negligence or unsafe practices contributed to the injury.
Negotiating with insurance companies:
Insurance providers often undervalue claims to protect their bottom line. An attorney advocates for a fair settlement that accounts for the full extent of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.
Building a solid legal case:
If an out-of-court settlement isn’t possible, a lawyer will prepare to take the case to trial. This involves presenting evidence, expert testimony, and a clear argument highlighting the negligence and resulting harm.
Considering long-term impacts:
Electrical injuries often lead to ongoing challenges, such as chronic pain, reduced earning capacity, and emotional distress. Lawyers ensure that these long-term effects are fully accounted for when pursuing compensation.

By addressing these critical aspects, a personal injury lawyer provides invaluable support, ensuring that victims of electrical injuries are not left to manage the legal system alone while seeking justice and financial recovery.

Contact an Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Electrical injuries can have life-altering consequences, and taking action quickly is crucial. At Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz, we’ve spent decades helping Ohio residents secure justice and the compensation they deserve. Call us today at 1.937.222.2222 for a free consultation and learn how our experienced team can assist you.

Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.