Electrical burn injuries are both complex and devastating, affecting countless individuals in a myriad of environments each year. From common household settings to industrial workplaces, the presence of electrical hazards remains a significant risk factor for severe injuries and fatalities.
Electrical burns — direct, arc, and thermal — may be caused by various parties, highlighting the potential for seeking a legal claim for compensation. If you suffered injuries due to a party’s negligence, speak with the lawyers of Callahan & Blaine for a case evaluation. Our legal team helps you build a personal injury case by investigating the incident that led to burns, gathering evidence, and communicating with insurance entities on your behalf.
Types of Electric Burn Injuries
Electrical burns result from electric currents passing through the body, which cause significant damage to the skin, soft tissue, and vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
There are numerous scenarios in which individuals might encounter electrical hazards, ranging from faulty appliances and machinery to frayed wiring and downed electrical poles. These risks are present in various environments, including homes, workplaces, businesses, and theme parks — essentially anywhere electricity is used.
According to the Construction Occupational Safety & Health, there are three primary types of electrical burns:
Direct Electrical Burns
These occur when a person makes contact with an electrical source, often through the hands. Such burns can also happen in vehicle accidents if the car’s electrical system is compromised, leading electricity to travel through the body and potentially causing skin burns, heart rhythm issues, and other severe health problems.
Arc Burns
These burns arise when electricity jumps from one point to another, causing extremely high temperatures. If a person is nearby, they can suffer intense burns from the heat, which can exceed 30,000 degrees. Arc burns can also produce explosive forces and melt materials like copper and aluminum, sending dangerous hot droplets flying toward individuals.
Thermal Burns
These injuries occur when an electrical shock ignites nearby materials, leading to fires. For example, a victim’s clothing might catch fire following an electrical incident, and defective cords or equipment are common causes of such fires in various settings.
Liability for electrical burns can fall on multiple parties, depending on the incident. Property owners, such as landlords and business operators, have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe from known hazards and to conduct regular inspections to identify potential dangers. Failure to do so can make them responsible for injuries sustained due to electrical hazards.
Additionally, manufacturers of defective appliances can be held liable for injuries caused by their products. Similarly, installers who do not properly set up appliances and stores selling faulty equipment can be deemed responsible in insurance claims for damages.
In workplaces, employers may be liable if negligence in maintaining machines and adhering to safety protocols leads to electrical burns. While Workers’ Compensation may provide initial support for injured employees, it does not cover compensation for long-term pain and emotional suffering, prompting the possibility of further claims for additional compensation for third-party liability.
Compensation Available in an Electrical Burn Injury Claim
Victims of electrical burns can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim, particularly if the injury stemmed from negligence or unsafe conditions. The types of compensation available generally include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers all medical treatments related to the electrical burn, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and any long-term care needs like rehabilitation or physical therapy.
- Lost Wages: Compensation can be sought for wages not earned due to injuries. This includes time taken off work for medical treatment and recovery. If the injury leads to diminished earning capacity in the future, victims may also claim compensation for potential earnings lost.
- Pain and Suffering: Victims may be able to recover losses for physical pain and emotional distress caused by electrical burns. This considers the severity and permanence of the pain and how it affects daily life and mental health.
- Loss of Quality of Life: If the injuries result in long-term disabilities or disfigurement, you may recover compensation for the impact on your quality of life, which includes the inability to take part in leisure activities, permanent scars, and the overall diminished enjoyment of life.
Each case will vary based on the specifics of the incident and the extent of the injuries. Consult with the legal professionals at Callahan & Blaine, who can provide guidance tailored to your situation and ensure all potential areas of compensation are explored.
Speak With the Personal Injury Lawyers at Callahan & Blaine
At Callahan & Blaine, we understand the severe impact that electrical burns can have on your life. With over 40 years of experience and a team of highly skilled trial lawyers, we are well-equipped to handle complex electric burn injury claims. Our firm has achieved remarkable results, including multi-million dollar settlements, and we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
At Callahan & Blaine, we meticulously gather evidence and build a compelling case to hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us at (714) 241-4444 or through our contact form to discuss how we can assist you in achieving justice and compensation for your injuries.
