Electric shock occurs when a part of the body comes into contact with an electrical source and the electrical current passes through the body. The human body is largely composed of water, which makes it a strong conductor of electricity. Depending upon the severity of the shock, injuries can include muscle and nerve damage, heart attack, burns and even death.

Common Causes of Electric Shock

Electric shock injuries can result from a variety of circumstances, including contact with an electrical outlet, damaged or frayed electrical cords, lightening strikes or electrical appliances that contact water. One of the most common causes of electric shock injuries is downed or exposed power lines. Building owners and electrical companies have a responsibility to maintain their electrical lines in safe working order and prevent individuals from coming into contact with them.

Defective consumer products can also lead to electric shock injures. Televisions, hair dryers, kitchen appliances or other electrically powered products have all been known to inflict electric shocks. The manufacturers of these products have a duty to provide adequate warning and not sell products with known dangers or defects. If the manufacturer of a product failed to adequately warn consumers as to the risk of electric shock or designed a defective product, they should be held accountable.

Electric shock injuries are also commonly suffered by those who work around electrical lines. Employers have a duty to provide employees with a safe workplace. Those working around power lines must be carefully trained and supervised. Employers who fail to meet industry safety standards should be held accountable for employee injuries.

Symptoms of Electric Shock Injuries

Electric shock can result in severe and even permanent injuries for the victim. Common symptoms of electric shock include:

  • Muscle pain and contractions;
  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Heart attack;
  • Stroke;
  • Headaches;
  • Irregular heartbeat;
  • Numbness or tingling;
  • Vision problems;
  • Speech problems;
  • Paralysis;
  • Burns;
  • Death.

The severity of your injuries will depend upon the voltage to which you are exposed, the length of time you were in contact with the electrical source, the part of your body that made initial contact, your age and medical condition and how quickly you are treated for the electric shock injuries. If you have suffered an electric shock, call 911 immediately because you likely require urgent treatment.

Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law: Put Our Over 39 Years of Experience to Work on Your Case!

Electric shock injuries can be serious and cause long term injuries. If you have been injured due to an electrical shock, call the Georgia Personal Injury Attorneys at Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our firm brings over 39 years of experience to your personal injury case.

We offer zealous and knowledgeable representation for each injured client and their families and accept cases across Georgia and in the greater Southeast. Prompt action is vital to the success of your personal injury case. As such, do not delay in seeking legal assistance as your time to file a claim after your accident is limited.

Call Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.