Electric shock can occur when the human body touches any source of voltage high enough to run an electrical current through the muscles or hair. Electric shock can cause minor injuries (e.g., tingling), trauma or even death. Technically, death by electric shock is called electrocution, but people also use the term to describe electric shock injuries as well.

Electrocution accidents can be severe, and even fatal. When a person has direct contact with electrical current, electrothermal burns—both on the surface and beneath the skin—can result. Clothing or skin can also catch fire. By contrast, flash burns occur when heat from electricity burns the skin, but doesn't enter into the body itself; thus, a flash burn is not as deep as an electrothermal burn. Regardless of the source and severity of an electric shock or burn, the seasoned Massachusetts personal injury attorneys at the Boston and Cambridge law firm of Altman & Altman, LLP will aggressively pursue financial relief for you by seeking payment of medical expenses, workers’ compensation, lost wages, and damages for pain and suffering.

Electrocutions often occur at the workplace, frequently caused by faulty electrical wiring. Poor maintenance and inattention to a utility company's power lines or facilities may render the power company at fault for an electrocution. At home, electrocution can result from faulty electrical wiring, as well as from the use of products like hair dryers, microwaves, and other electrical appliances with power cords that are damaged, defective or used inappropriately.

The National Electrical Code categorizes voltages as follows: more than 600 volts is considered high voltage, and less than or equal to 600 volts is considered low voltage. Low voltage can still cause bodily injury: although being touched quickly by low voltage won't typically cause a burn, it may lead to ventricular fibrillation (fast heartbeat). More seriously, high voltage contact may stop the heart altogether—though the heart may beat again after the contact stops. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or defibrillation (medically shocking the chest to restart the heart) may be needed to restart breathing.

If you or a loved one has been injured from an electrocution injury in Massachusetts, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at the Greater Boston law firm of Altman & Altman, LLP. Our seasoned Massachusetts personal injury lawyers will listen to the specifics of your situation, explain your legal options, and answer any legal questions you may have. If a loved one has died from electrocution, you may also be eligible to file a MA wrongful death lawsuit. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced electrocution attorney at the Boston and Cambridge law firm of Altman & Altman, LLP, call 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 (toll free) or contact us online. Our phones are answered 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, and we promptly respond to all emails. If your injury makes transportation to our office difficult, we are willing and able to travel to meet you. Please also note that we take all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis: we charge no fee unless you recover.