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Denver Personal Injury Attorney

Electric Shock Injury

Electric shocks injuries are responsible for about 1,000 deaths in the United States each year, or about 1% of all accidental deaths. The severity of injury depends on the voltage, the current’s amperage, whether the current was direct or alternating, the path of the current through the victim, and how long the victim remained in contact with the current. Although the severity of injury is determined primarily by the voltage, low voltage can be just as dangerous as high voltage under the right circumstances. People have been killed by shocks of just 50 volts.

The nervous system (i.e.the brain, spinal cord, and nerves) is particularly vulnerable to injury. In fact, neurological problems are the most common kind of nonlethal harm suffered by electric shock victims. Neurological problems may be apparent immediately after the accident, or gradually develop over a period of up to three years.

Damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is most acute at the moment of injury. Electric shocks can paralyze the respiratory system or disrupt heart action, causing instant death. Also at risk are the smaller veins and arteries, which dissipate heat less easily than the larger blood vessels and can develop blood clots. Damage to the smaller vessels is probably one reason why amputation is often required following high-voltage injuries.

Many other sorts of injuries are possible after an electric shock, including cataracts, kidney failure, and substantial destruction of muscle tissue. The victim may suffer a fall or be hit by debris from exploding equipment. An electric arc may set clothing or nearby flammable substances on fire. Strong shocks are often accompanied by violent muscle spasms that can break and dislocate bones. These spasms can also freeze the victim in place and prevent him or her from breaking away from the source of the current.

If You Have Been Injured By An Eletrical Shock

1. Get Medical treatment, if necessary.
2. Photograph the scene.
3. Save an pieces of equipment or appliance involved.
4. Photograph the injuries both before an after treatment.
5. Contact Scott Baroway for a free, no obligation, consultation.

If you have been injured due to an electrical shock, contact Scott Baroway for a free, no obligation, consultation.