Electrocution injuries can happen at home, in the workplace, and in public places. Often, these types of incidents occur due to the negligence of an individual, business, or government entity. If you or a loved one have been harmed due to an electrocution incident, you may need to speak to a Lexington electrocution injury lawyer with experience handling catastrophic injury claims.
You may be able to recover compensation, and a Lexington personal injury attorney can help.
Common Causes of Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution injuries can happen in many settings and for various reasons. Some common causes include:
- Faulty Wiring. Defective wiring in buildings, homes, or construction sites can lead to electrocution incidents. If the wiring was improperly installed or not up to code, the property owner or contractor may be liable.
- Unsafe Work Environments. Employees working with or near electrical equipment, especially in construction, manufacturing, or utilities, face a heightened risk of electrocution. Employers must maintain safe environments and provide appropriate protective equipment.
- Defective Products. Electrical tools and appliances, if defective, can pose a significant risk to consumers. If an electrocution injury stems from a product malfunction, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable under product liability law.
- Improper Maintenance. Property owners are responsible for inspecting and maintaining their electrical systems. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to dangerous electrical hazards, especially in areas accessible to the public.
- Contact with Power Lines. Direct contact with high-voltage power lines is particularly dangerous and common on construction sites. Employers, contractors, or utility companies could be held accountable if they fail to properly secure or warn about these hazards.
Types of Electrocution Injuries
Electrocution can cause a variety of injuries, some of which are life-threatening or lead to long-term disability. Common injuries include:
- Severe Burns
- Cardiac Arrest
- Nerve Damage
- Respiratory Issues
- Organ Damage
These injuries often require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and may even result in permanent disability. Victims need fair compensation to cover their ongoing treatment and lost income.
Liability in Electrocution Injury Cases
Determining liability in an electrocution injury case depends on the circumstances and where the injury occurred. In Lexington, common liable parties include:
- Property Owners. If the injury occurred on private property due to unsafe electrical conditions, the owner could be held responsible.
- Employers. In workplace accidents, employers are typically required to maintain safe environments, especially in industries where electrocution risks are higher. They may be liable if they fail to meet safety standards.
- Manufacturers. If a defective product caused the injury, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer could be responsible under product liability law.
- Utility Companies. If a utility company failed to maintain power lines or electrical infrastructure, leading to an accident, they could be liable.
Identifying liable parties is a crucial step in securing compensation. A skilled Lexington electrocution injury attorney will conduct an in-depth investigation to establish fault and determine who can be held accountable.
Compensation Available for Electrocution Injuries
In Kentucky, compensation for electrocution injuries can cover various economic and non-economic damages. Victims may be eligible for:
- Medical Expenses. This includes current and future medical costs related to treating the injuries, such as surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings. If an injury prevents a victim from working, either temporarily or permanently, they may recover compensation for lost income and reduced future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering. Beyond physical injuries, electrocution often causes severe emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering addresses the physical pain, mental anguish, and diminished quality of life caused by the injury.
- Disfigurement and Disability. If electrocution causes visible scarring or permanent disability, victims may receive compensation for these life-altering impacts.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life. Serious injuries can limit a victim’s ability to enjoy life as they once did, impacting hobbies, activities, and relationships.
Call Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C., for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrocution accident in Lexington, contact Gary C. Johnson Attorneys at Law P.S.C. for a free consultation.
Our experienced team of electrocution injury attorneys in Lexington are here to help you navigate the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation you deserve. You can reach us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us at (866) 984-0113.
