Electricity is an incredible phenomenon, and the fact that humans have been able to harness the power of electricity to fuel our homes and cities is nothing short of amazing. As fortunate as our society is to have electricity, though, electricity is also extremely dangerous. Especially for workers who work with or around electricity and electrical wiring or equipment, the risk of injury is high. If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical injury in Massachusetts that was caused by the negligence of another party, you may have a claim for damages. Call our law firm today to get a free consultation and learn more about next steps.
Types of Electrocution Injuries
When exposed to live electrical wires, an individual—whether a worker or not—may be at high risk of injury. Types of electrical injuries are numerous, and include direct current electrical injuries, arc burns, alternating current injuries, contact burns, electrical flashes, flash burns, internal electrical injuries, muscle depolarization, and nerve depolarization injuries. While these injury types may be distinct, they can all be extremely serious. Electrical injuries can lead to long-term loss of use of the impacted body part, long-term disability, and even death in some cases.
Compensation After an Electrocution Injury
If an electrical accident causes an electrocution injury, the injured person may be facing a high amount of damages. These include damages in the form of medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and pain and suffering—amongst others. If the injured party can prove that their accident would not have occurred but for the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else, they may be able to recover compensation for the full value of their economic (actual dollars) and their noneconomic (intangible losses, like pain and suffering) damages.
Liability for an Electrical Injury in Massachusetts
Liability for an electrical injury will be determined based on who’s at fault for the accident. For example, someone who is injured in their home by a defective appliance may be able to bring a claim for damages against the manufacturer of the appliance. A worker who is injured on the job may have a cause of action against a third party, such as the manufacturer of safety equipment that failed when in use. (Note that workers injured at work are usually barred from filing a claim directly against their employer due to rules of the workers’ compensation system.)
When you work with an attorney, your attorney can review the details of your case and make a determination about fault and liability. Your attorney can then gather evidence, pursue damages, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys Today
Being involved in an accident that involves electricity can be life-changing. If you have been involved in an electrocution injury or are the loved one of someone who was severely injured in an electrical accident, call Tetzel Law today. During your free consultation, we’ll review your case and explain your legal options. Reach out to our team today at (617) 742-1700 to get started.