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Florida Electrocution Accident Attorneys​

Knowing that a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured in an electrocution accident can cause unbelievable grief and suffering. An electrocution-related injury has to be one of the most painful injuries a person can endure. If your loved one has died or has been seriously injured as a result of a construction electrocution accident, call the injury attorneys at Farah & Farah for legal representation. Our staff have vast knowledge of all aspects of construction litigation and have achieved successful settlements for our clients.

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Electrical injuries are a common form of mechanical trauma or any injury to the body that breaks or passes through the skin. Injuries caused by electricity can stem from incidents involving lightning, low-voltage, or high-voltage exposure and are frequently linked to significant levels of sickness and death. If not immediately fatal, the harm from electrical injuries can lead to the dysfunction of various tissues or organs.

In the United States, around 1,000 fatalities annually are attributed to electrical injuries. Additionally, a minimum of 30,000 non-fatal shock incidents are reported each year. In adults, these injuries predominantly occur in occupational environments and rank as the fourth-leading cause of workplace-related traumatic fatalities. In children, these injuries most frequently take place at home.

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Helping Electrocution Accident Victims in Florida

In Florida, there are hundreds of electrocution accidents every year, most of them involving FPL, the largest utility provider in the state. When these devasting accidents occur, it is vital to have legal representation from an experienced electrocution accident attorney. In many cases, insurance companies, utility companies, contractors, employers, and property owners, anyone who may be liable in your case, may try to avoid taking responsibility for their part in your accident.

How Farah & Farah’s Attorneys Can Help

The experienced attorneys at Farah & Farah are prepared to serve you and your loved ones. We have the resources to hire professionals such as scientists, engineers, and medical specialists to assist you in presenting your case and achieving a fair and equitable settlement.

When You Should Hire an Electrocution Accident Attorney

It’s best to hire an experienced electrocution accident attorney as soon as possible after the accident. A careful evaluation of the accident site may show an employee error, act of negligence, or electrical defect that caused the accident to happen. It takes an experienced electrocution accident attorney to handle the amount of evidence that is customary in electrocution accidents.

Electrical Injury Classifications

There are four primary categories of electrical injuries:

Flash Injuries

Flash injuries, or injuries caused by an arc flash, are generally linked to surface burns, as no electrical current extends beyond the skin. An arc flash is the heat and light that comes from an arc fault or a discharge that travels either through the air or ground to another section of voltage within an electrical system.

Flame Injuries

Flame injuries are experienced when an arc flash sets an individual’s clothing on fire, with the possibility of an electrical current passing through the skin.

Lightning Injuries

Lightning injuries involve exceptionally brief yet highly potent electrical energy, with the current flowing throughout the person’s body.

True Injuries

True electrical injuries occur when an individual becomes part of an electrical circuit, typically with identifiable entrance and exit points.

Possible Causes of Electrocution Accidents

The leading causes of electrocution accidents include:

Water

Water can transmit electricity and can, therefore, be extremely dangerous when in contact with an electrical current. Contact between water and electricity can lead to electrical shocks or other hazards.

Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring may cause electric shocks upon contact. It can lead to short circuits, overheating, fires, or appliance damage. Poorly installed or damaged wiring elevates the risk of electrical fires, with the potential ignition of nearby materials due to overheating. Additionally, it can cause malfunctions in electrical devices, posing safety risks to users and, in severe cases, contributing to electrocution.

Attempting To Fix Electrical Faults

Attempting to fix electrical faults without proper expertise poses several dangers, including electric shock, potential fire hazards, code violations, property damage, and the risk of personal injury. In addition, it can lead to severe consequences, including damage to appliances, violations of safety codes, and the possibility of legal repercussions.

Naked Cords

Naked cords refer to electrical cords or wires that are exposed or lacking proper insulation. This can pose a significant risk of electrical accidents, including the potential for electrocution. Exposed wires increase the likelihood of direct contact with live electrical currents, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Damaged Plugs

Damaged plugs are compromised, cracked, or otherwise impaired electrical plugs. Such damage can significantly increase the risk of electrocution accidents. A damaged plug may expose live wires or create unstable connections, posing a hazard when connecting devices to power sources.

Common Causes of Electrocution in the Workplace

According to OSHA, many workers lack awareness of the potential electrical hazards in their work environment, making them more susceptible to the risk of electrocution. The most common causes of electrical injuries include:

Contact With Power Lines

Power lines, whether overhead or buried at job sites pose a significant danger due to their exceptionally high voltage. The primary risk is fatal electrocution, but additional hazards include burns and falls from elevations. Using tools and equipment that can contact power lines amplifies the associated risks.

Lack of Ground-Fault Protection

The frequent use of electrical equipment on job sites can lead to insulation breaks, short circuits, and exposed wires. If ground-fault protection is not available, it can cause a ground fault, which is a failure in the electrical wire that is used to make a path from the circuit to the ground or the insulation in that wire. This can cause electrical burns, explosions, fire, or death if a worker is exposed to the electricity.

Path to Ground Missing or Discontinuous

If the power supply to the electrical equipment lacks proper grounding or contains a broken path, it can cause a fault current to travel through a worker’s body, causing electrical burns or death.

Misused Equipment

Using electrical equipment beyond its intended use compromises the reliability of safety features designed by the manufacturer. This practice may result in equipment damage and pose a risk of injuries to workers.

Improper Use of Extension and Flexible Cords

The regular use of extension and flexible cords on job sites can loosen or expose wires, creating hazardous conditions for workers. Extension and flexible cords that are not the 3-wire type, lack the design for hard usage, or are improperly modified increase the risk of contacting electrical currents.

Symptoms of Electrocution

The effects of electrocution vary based on the current type, voltage level, duration of contact with electricity, and the individual’s overall health.

Electrocution in Adults

The severity of the electrical accident influences the symptoms experienced. Symptoms in adults can include:

Compartment Syndrome

According to Healthline, more severe cases of an electrocution accident can cause adults to experience compartment syndrome. This is a critical condition that arises when damage to the muscles causes limbs to swell. The swelling can exert pressure on arteries, creating the possibility of severe health issues. Compartment syndrome may not be immediately apparent after the shock, so monitoring the victim’s arms and legs closely following an electrical incident is crucial.

Electrocution in Children

Electrocution accidents in children can span from brief discomfort to permanent organ damage or even death. Symptoms in children can include:

When Can Electrocution Be Life-Threatening?

Electrocution can be life-threatening when the electrical shock disrupts vital bodily functions or causes severe injuries to organs, muscles, or the nervous system. The risk increases with higher voltages, more prolonged exposure to the electrical current, and the pathway the current takes through the body. Additionally, complications such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure can make electrocution a severe and potentially fatal event. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases to address the potentially life-threatening consequences of electric shock.

Long-Term Effects of an Electrocution Accident

The Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America have documented the long-term effects of electrocution accidents by physical, psychological, and neurological effects.

Physical Effects

Psychological Effects

Neurological Effects

Who May Be Liable in an Electrocution Accident

Liability in an electrocution accident can vary depending on the circumstances and may involve different parties. Determining liability in an electrocution accident can be complex, and legal considerations may vary based on jurisdiction. It’s crucial to consult an electrocution accident attorney to assess the specifics of the case and identify responsible parties.

Many electrocution accidents are the result of negligence. Taking appropriate precautions can prevent several of these accidents from occurring. If the cause of the electrocution accident is negligence, the victim may have the option to seek compensation for the harm suffered.

Employer

An employer has a responsibility to ensure a safe working environment for employees. This includes how to prevent electrical accidents. This involves implementing measures to minimize the risk of electrical hazards and providing adequate training and equipment.  If an electrocution accident occurs in the workplace, the employer may be held responsible for not maintaining a safe working environment, providing proper training, or ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Contractor

According to OSHA, electrocution is one of the prominent safety hazards of the construction industry. Consequently, contractors have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their workers and anyone else affected by their activities, including preventing electrical accidents. Per the CDC, contractors should enforce best practices to avoid negligence.Those responsible for electrical work or maintenance may be liable if the accident results from faulty installations, repairs, or negligence in performing electrical tasks.

Property Owner

 A property owner is legally responsible for preventing electrical accidents on their premises. This involves conducting regular inspections and maintaining electrical systems in compliance with safety standards. Property owners should promptly address any identified issues, use warning signs to indicate potential hazards, and educate tenants on electrical safety. If electrocution happens on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable for not maintaining a safe environment or addressing electrical hazards.

Power Company

Power companies are responsible for creating public safety and mitigating the risk of electrical accidents. This can be achieved by prioritizing prevention, education, and the establishment of best practices. In some cases, the utility company may be responsible if the electrocution is due to a failure in the electrical infrastructure, such as power lines.

Manufacturers

Manufacturers have a duty of care to design, produce, and distribute electrical devices and equipment that adhere to safety standards, minimizing the risk of electrical accidents. OSHA requirements should be considered when manufacturing products. If a defective electrical product or equipment contributes to the electrocution, the manufacturer may be liable for producing a faulty item.

How To Prove Negligence in an Electrocution Accident

Despite negligence being one of the primary causes of electrocution accidents, you must establish legally that negligence led to the accident. A solid understanding of the laws and a thorough analysis of the facts surrounding your case are necessary to prove negligence. Additionally, you must validate your injuries and the necessity of the medical treatment you underwent for recovery. An experienced Farah & Farah electrocution accident attorney can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case.

Florida Statute of Limitations on Electrocution Accident Cases

In Florida, there is a time restriction known as the statute of limitations for initiating personal injury lawsuits, including those related to electrocution. Generally, you have a two-year window from the incident’s date to file a lawsuit. The case doesn’t need to be complete by the end of that window, but if a lawsuit becomes necessary to recover the damages you deserve, then the paperwork would need to be filed before the end of the two years.

What You Should Do if You’re Involved in an Electrocution Accident

In the event of an electrocution accident, there are several steps you should take right away to protect yourself:

Types of Compensation for an Electrocution Accident

Individuals who have suffered electrical injuries may have the right to receive different types of compensation, such as:

Farah & Farah Employs Experienced Electrocution Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been placed in an unfortunate situation where an electrocution-related injury has occurred, contact our experienced electrocution accident lawyers at Farah & Farah today for a free consultation of your situation. You won’t owe a thing unless your case is successful.

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