An electric shock can happen when the human body touches any source of voltage high enough to have electrical current run through the muscles or hair. Electric shock can cause minor injuries (tingling), trauma or death; technically, death by electric shock is called electrocution, but people also use the term to describe injuries as well. Statistics vary, but some estimate that there are about 700 electrocutions that occur while on the job, and between 500–1,000 deaths from electrocution each year.

Possible Causes

It is more typical for an electrocution to occur while at work; faulty electrical wiring is the most common cause. At home, electrocution and other burn injuries can also happen from faulty electrical wiring, as well as from using products such as hair dryers, microwaves and other items with power cords that may either be damaged, defective or used inappropriately. Poor maintenance and inattention of a utility company's power lines or facilities may also render the power company at fault for an electrocution.

Electric Shock Effects

Electrocution accidents can range from simple to severe to fatal. When there is direct contact with an electrical current, electrothermal burns (both on the surface and beneath the skin) can result. Clothing or skin can also catch fire. A flash burn happens when heat from electricity burns the skin, possibly over a large section of the skin, but doesn't enter into the body itself and is therefore not as deep as an electrothermal burn.

The National Electrical Code categorizes voltages this way: 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. Being touched quickly by low voltage won't typically cause a burn, but may lead to ventricular fibrillation (fast heartbeat). 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.

Prevention

Employees, particularly those who work in construction or with cranes or lifts, and those who work with electric energy (such as high and low voltage electricians) should partner together to ensure safety and immediate access to CPR and other lifesaving procedures should one worker get injured. People should also know that high voltage wires and overhead power lines are quite dangerous and contact should be avoided.

In the home, cover unused outlets and keep appliances out of reach if children are living there. To prevent accidental electrocution, never use appliances in contact with water. Use of appliances that shock the user should be immediately discontinued until they are repaired by a professional (or otherwise discarded.) Having a licensed electrician install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GCFI) electrical outlets in the home, particularly those in the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere that are near water, can help prevent a potential electrical current overload from causing a dangerous and potentially fatal electric shock from happening.

If you or a loved one has been injured from an electrocution injury, or if a loved one has died after being electrocuted, contact Altman and Altman. Our attorneys can help you learn if you may be eligible for compensation. Call us at 617.492.3000 or 800.481.6199 toll–free, or contact us online for a free consultation.