Complications of Severe Electrical Injuries
Electricity has had a positive impact on society; however, it is also incredibly dangerous. Statistics published by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) show that numerous people suffer injuries every year in electrical accidents. Some of these can even result in death. According to the statistics:
- In 2016, there was a 15 percent increase in the number of electrical fatalities when compared to 2015.
- The most common causes of death due to electricity include electrocutions and electrical burns.
- Younger individuals are more prone to suffering electrical injuries than their older counterparts.
Unfortunately, individuals can suffer serious electrical injuries in a car accident. The electrical current is capable of causing both severe burns and cardiac arrhythmias.
Causes of Electrical Injuries
Even though many electrical injuries are caused by workplace issues and home accidents, motor vehicle accidents can also lead to serious electrical injuries. In a severe accident, many of the vehicles inner workings become exposed as parts are damaged. As a result, wires that are usually covered by the shell of the vehicle can become exposed. Furthermore, these wires are often still live. Anyone who comes into contact with these live wires can suffer serious injuries. There are two broad categories of electrical injuries. These include:
Electrocution Injuries: Electrocution injuries refer to damage that has been caused by the current itself. Electrical power flows as a continuous current, and if this current passes through the bodily tissue, it can cause life-threatening damage. Often, this damage comes in the form of cardiac arrhythmia. These arrhythmias could lead to rapid death and might require defibrillation.
Electrical Burns: The other injuries that can result from severe electrical exposure is a burn. Burns often happen due to the thermal exposure associated with electricity. Like other burns, these can range from first degree to third-degree burns. Burns that are particularly bad often result from exposure to an alternating current. AC electricity causes muscle contractions that make it hard to let go of the electrical source. This can worsen the injuries.
Watch YouTube Video: Electrical Burns. The video below shows stunning footage of the effects that electricity can impose on a human body.
Complications of Electrical Injuries
If someone has suffered an electrical injury in an accident, it is vital to call 911. Any exposure to electricity has the potential to be life-threatening. The acute treatment of an electrical injury will involve ensuring that the individual has a stable heart rate and blood pressure. Then, the burns will need to be treated. This often involves cool compresses and pain medications. After this, several complications might develop.
Blood Vessel Damage: Electrical injuries can cause scar tissue to develop. This scar tissue is not as pliable as healthy tissue. This tissue is prone to tearing with pressure and traction. Scar tissue that tears beneath the skin surface can lead to blood vessel damage.
Infections: Infections are a common issue with electrical burns. With damage to the skin, there is a portal through which bacteria and viruses can enter. This can lead to serious, invasive infections that could land someone in the hospital.
Contacting a Personal Injury Law Firm
Electrical injuries can be frightening, and many of them have poor outcomes. If a loved one has suffered a severe electrical injury, such as an electrical burn, he or she could spend a prolonged period in the hospital. It is a good idea to meet with a Sacramento personal injury lawyer for help. The resources that a qualified injury lawyer can provide with include:
- Reviewing the information from the accident, making sure that all of the details have been considered.
- Working with accident reconstruction professionals to ensure that the mechanism of the collision has been reported accurately.
- Assisting families in pursuing damages that are related to the injuries, any of its complications, and emotional distress.
- Transitioning a case to the courtroom for trial when necessary.
First and foremost, nobody needs to face a difficult situation alone. Take the time to speak with a qualified Sacramento personal injury lawyer. You and your family could be owed a significant financial settlement.
Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Personal Injury Attorney in Sacramento. Electrical injuries can occur in a major accident and could lead to an emergency medical procedure. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident and sustained electrical injuries, contact me as soon as possible at (800) 404-5400 or (916) 921-6400 for free, friendly legal advice.
I am proud to be a legal professional in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and in the Top One Percent, a National Association of Distinguished Counsel.
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