Causes of Electrocution & Electrical Injuries
Electric shock, electrical injuries, and electrocution can occur when a person comes into contact with electricity. Depending on the length of time the person is in contact with the electricity and the strength of the current, an electrical accident can cause burns, as well as damage to the heart. A severe shock can even stop the heart.
Electrical injuries can occur in and as a result of:
- Construction accidents
- Downed power lines
- Floating power lines
- Faulty appliances
- Damaged or frayed cords
- Electrical appliance in contact with water
- Faulty wiring
- Lightning strike
Symptoms of Electric Shock
Electric shock can cause specific symptoms, including:
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Weak, erratic pulse
- No pulse
- Burns
- Cardiac arrest
When electrocution occurs, a person may even be killed. At the very least, they will be dealing with physical and emotional injuries that will require treatment and impact their ability to work and perform everyday activities. These injuries on their own are severe. That is why it is so vital to work with a leading injury attorney.
The OSHA Safety Standards for Electrical Work
According to OSHA, electrocutions are the second-leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. In addition, electrical wiring, methodology, components, equipment, and the general industry were part of the top 10 most frequently violated OSHA standards in 2015. OSHA created guidelines that all employers are required to follow. If individuals follow OSHA standards, they will be better protected from electrical injuries during installation projects involving motors, machines, switches, controls, lighting, and other fixtures.
The OSHA says that most electrical accidents happen because of the following:
- Unsafe equipment or installation
- Unsafe environment
- Unsafe work practices
Insulation prevents electrical accidents. Glass, mica, rubber, or plastic coatings on conductive surfaces reduce the flow of the electrical current, protecting the worker from shock. Insulation materials must be chosen according to wire voltage and the conditions of the environment.
Employees can avoid injuries by implementing the following guidelines:
- De-energize any electrical equipment before inspection or repair.
- Keep electrical tools properly maintained.
- Use extreme caution when working near energized lines.
- Wear appropriate protective equipment.
Attorneys Representing Victims of Arc Flash Accidents
Arc flashes are an electrical phenomenon when an electrical current leaves its designated path and travels elsewhere. If a worker is directly hit by an arc flash or near one, the result is usually severe injury or death.
How Do Arc Flashes Happen?
From human error to faulty wire installations, many things can cause an arc flash.
Below are some common causes of arc flashes:
- Human error
- Dropping a tool
- Faulty installation
- Corrosion
- Material failure
- Accidental touching
- Corrosion
- Dust
What Do Arc Flashes Cause?
Arc flashes are unpredictable and can have various consequences.
Here are some common results of an arc flash:
- Fire
- Burns
- Heat
- Flying objects
- Sound blast (often as loud as a gun)
- Blast pressure
Talk to the Houston Electrocution Attorneys at Arnold & Itkin
If you suffered an electrical injury in Texas, you deserve fair compensation. If your well-being was jeopardized by negligence, the responsible parties should be held accountable. All employees should be trained in electrical safety and should use tools that are safe for work with electrical hazards. Consumers should be protected from harm by companies that promptly respond to downed power lines and manufacturers that keep defective products off the market. Our team of trial lawyers at Arnold & Itkin is an established leader in personal injury litigation. Trust your case to our experience: we've won billions of dollars on behalf of our clients!
Call (888) 493-1629 or fill out a free case evaluation form.
