Electrocution Accident Lawyer, Miami

What is electrocution?

The National Library of Medicine describes electrocution as follows:

Electrical injuries, a relatively common form of mechanical trauma, can occur as a result of lightning, low-voltage, or high-voltage injury, and are often associated with high morbidity and mortality. Almost all electrical injuries are accidental and often, preventable. If not instantly fatal, the damage associated with electrical injuries can result in the dysfunction of multiple tissues or organs.

There are four main types of electrical injuries: flash, flame, lightning, and true. Flash injuries, caused by an arc flash, are typically associated with superficial burns, as no electrical current travels past the skin. Flame injuries occur when an arc flash ignites an individual’s clothing, and electrical current may or may not pass the skin in these cases. Lightning injuries, involving extremely short but very high voltage electrical energy, are associated with an electrical current flowing through the individual’s entire body. True electrical injuries involve an individual becoming part of an electrical circuit. In these cases, an entrance and exit site are usually found.

The severity of an electrocution injury depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Voltage level, as higher voltage increases the risk of fatality
• Duration of exposure, as longer contact means more damage
• Path of the current, as electricity passing through the heart or brain can be deadly
• Type of current, as alternating current (AC) is more dangerous than direct current (DC) because it causes muscles to contract and make it harder to let go of the electricity source

What are common causes of electrocution?

Electrocution can happen in many different settings. Some of the most common causes include:

Workplace accidents

Electrocution is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, especially in construction. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists electrocution as one of the “Fatal Four” leading causes of construction worker deaths. Common workplace hazards include:

• Contact with overhead power lines
• Faulty wiring and exposed electrical parts
• Improper use of extension cords
• Malfunctioning equipment

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation, in 2020, 126 workers died from electrocution-related incidents. Construction workers, electricians, and utility employees face the highest risk.

Household electrical hazards

Your home also contains many potential electrocution hazards. Some common causes include:

• Defective appliances
• Damaged power cords
• Improper electrical installations
• Children inserting objects into outlets
• Water exposure near electrical devices

The American Burn Association reports that around 400 people die from electrocution at home each year. Many of these accidents could be prevented with proper safety measures, such as using ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and ensuring electrical systems are up to code.

Public and recreational accidents

Electrocution accidents can also occur in public places, like swimming pools, amusement parks, and outdoor spaces. Some of these incidents can involve:

• Faulty pool lighting or electrical wiring near water
• Contact with downed power lines after storms
• Boating accidents involving improperly grounded electrical systems

Public property owners and businesses have a duty to maintain safe premises. If negligence leads to an electrocution injury, you may have a legal case.

Wrongful death from electrocution

Electrocution deaths are tragic and mostly preventable. Wrongful death happens when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. Families of electrocution victims can file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation for their loss.

Who can file a wrongful death claim?

In Florida, the following parties may file a wrongful death claim:

• Spouse of the deceased
• Children of the deceased
• Parents of the deceased (if the victim was a minor or had no spouse/children)
• Personal representative of the estate

Compensation for wrongful death

A wrongful death lawsuit can help your family recover damages, including:

• Medical expenses before death
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and financial support
• Pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of companionship

What are some examples of wrongful death from electrocution?

Wrongful death cases involving electrocution can stem from the following issues:

• Employers failing to follow electrical safety regulations
• Property owners neglecting hazardous conditions
• Utility companies failing to maintain safe power lines
• Defective electrical products

If a loved one dies due to an electrocution injury, you should legal advice as soon as possible. At Hickey Law Firm, our electrocution injury attorneys can help determine liability and pursue fair compensation.

How can I prevent electrocution injuries?

Some electrocution accidents are unavoidable. However, many can be prevented. Here are some safety tips to stay safe around electricity.

At home

• Regularly inspect cords and appliances for damage.
• Keep electrical devices away from water.
• Use GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
• Avoid overloading power strips and outlets

At work

• Ensure proper training for employees working with electricity.
• Follow OSHA regulations and use protective gear.
• Use lockout/tagout procedures when servicing electrical equipment.
• Maintain a safe distance from power lines.

In public areas

• Stay away from downed power lines.
• Report exposed wiring or electrical hazards to authorities.
• Avoid swimming in pools with faulty lighting or wiring.

What should I do if I or a loved one suffer an electrocution injury?

If you experience – or witness – an electrocution injury, take the following steps:

• Turn off the power source. Do not touch the victim until the power is disconnected.
• Call 911 immediately. Electrocution can cause internal injuries, even if the person appears fine at first.
• Perform CPR if necessary. If the victim is not breathing or has no pulse, administer CPR.
• Seek medical attention. Remember, even minor shocks can lead to serious health issues, like nerve damage or even cardiac arrest.

What are my legal options after an electrocution accident?

If someone else’s negligence caused an electrocution injury or death, you or your family may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Possible liable parties include:

• Employers that failed to provide a safe work environment
• Property owners who neglected electrical hazards
• Manufacturers of defective electrical products

A successful claim can help you recover damages for medica expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Electrocution injuries can change lives forever. If you or a loved one has suffered due to an electrical accident, Hickey Law Firm is here to help. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us advocate for your rights.