Filing a Lawsuit for an Electrocution Accident in California
Electricity is an aspect of everyday life. We are surrounded by electricity everywhere we go—in appliances that we use at home, the power lines above us as we travel to work, and the wiring in our office. We have come to rely on electricity for our daily lives, but people suffer severe and life-threatening injuries every day because of electricity.
If someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused you to be injured in an electrocution accident in California, you may be entitled to recover damages from the at-fault party. The skilled personal injury attorneys at our law firm can help you recover every dollar you are entitled to for your electrocution-related injuries and losses.
Call us today to arrange a free case evaluation with an experienced California personal injury attorney.
What is Electrocution?
Electrocution is the injury or death of an individual who receives an electric shock from a high voltage source.
Electrocution accidents can happen at home, at work, or at industrial locations. But they can also happen in unusual circumstances at hotels, parks, and recreational facilities. In fact, an electrocution accident can happen virtually anywhere there is electricity.
In one reported incident, a traveler suffered an electrocution-related injury while taking a shower at a popular hotel chain. In another case, a construction worker lost the use of his limbs when his crane came into contact with an overhead power line. This energized the cable, causing a tremendous electrical shock to the victim.
Common Electrocution Injuries in California
Injuries resulting from electrocution can range from a mild shock to severe, life-threatening conditions, including:
- Burns;
- Muscle, nerve, and tissue damage;
- Damage to internal organs;
- Brain damage;
- Spine injury;
- Seizures;
- Cardiac arrest; and
- Death
The severity of an electrocution-related injury depends on the type and strength of the voltage, how long the victim was exposed to the electricity, how the electricity moved through the victim’s body, and the victim’s overall health at the time of the injury.
Common Causes of Electrocution Related Injuries
Common causes of electrocution related injuries include:
- Electrical appliances;
- Power cords;
- Electrical outlets;
- Overhead power lines;
- Underground power lines;
- Malfunctioning and defective tools and equipment;
- Faulty wiring;
- Coming in contact with an exposed electrical current; and
- Remodeling space and coming in contact with electrical current.
Compensation for Electrocution-related Injuries in California
If someone else’s negligence or carelessness caused you to suffer an electrocution-related injury in California, you may be entitled to recover damages from the at-fault party. This could be your employer, the power company, the manufacturer or distributor of an electrical appliance, tool, or device, or a retailer.
Potential damages recoverable after an electrocution accident in California can include:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Past and future loss of wages and earnings;
- Past and future pain and suffering;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Workers’ compensation benefits (if injured on the job and fault doesn’t matter);
- Funeral and burial expenses (if the accident resulted in the death of a loved one); and
- Punitive damages (in some cases).
However, to succeed in your claim for compensation, you will need the assistance of a California personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling these types of claims. Personal injury claims involving electrocution can be very difficult to pursue because liability is often disputed.
Contact an Experienced California Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrocution accident in California, our law firm can help. We handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will owe us no fee unless we recover a settlement or judgment on your behalf.
Visit our contact form here, or call us at (562) 901-4664 to arrange a free case evaluation with a qualified California personal injury attorney. We can help you recover fair and just compensation for you and your family.
Christopher Montes de Oca is an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Chris is recognized as a “Super Lawyer Rising Star,” a recognition that only 2.5 percent of lawyers receive, because of the exceptional results he has seen and his dedication to his clients. Chris services clients throughout Los Angeles, including Echo Park, Maywood, Long Beach, Whittier, Glendale, La Mirada, Pico Rivera, Hacienda Heights, and Alhambra. Call him today for a free consultation at (562) 901-4664.