Most people are familiar with the dangers presented by electricity. However, we are surrounded by electrical devices and wiring in our everyday lives, and the risks of electrocution are present in a wide variety of situations. Anyone who experiences electrocution should understand the effects of this type of injury and the options for pursuing compensation from a negligent party who was responsible.

Effects of Electrocution

Since the human body conducts electricity, contact between any part of the body and an electrical energy source can result in electrocution. Depending on the part of the body affected, this can cause serious injuries or death. Some potential electrocution injuries include:

Statistics from the Electrical Safety Foundation International, or ESFI, indicate that there were over 2,200 non-fatal electrocution injuries in the year 2015. One-quarter of those electrocutions resulted in time away from work for the injured party. While the median time-frame amounted to just 10 days, the data also suggests that a return to work is not always possible. Furthermore, workers may be unable to perform their original duties after an electrocution injury. Learn more about the outcome and prognosis for electrocution victims in the following sections. 

Study Examines Long-Term Prognosis for Electrocution Victims 

A recent study, published in the Journal of Acute Disease, researchers examined the long-term outcomes and prognosis for electrocution victims. Participants, who suffered their injuries between 2006 and 2008, were mostly male (96.8 percent) with a median age of 27.9. Nearly three-quarters of the injuries (73.9 percent) were work-related. Study authors followed the victims for six years, post-injury. 

Results indicated that most of the injured victims returned to work (81 percent), but only 5 percent were able to resume their original work duties. Most needed financial support from their families, insurance companies, or employers after returning to their jobs. Total disability prevented 6.3 percent from ever returning to their jobs. These individuals needed complete help with even minor, daily living activities. Many of these individuals were younger and had a longer life expectancy, which places a burden on the government and society. 

Consumers expect that the products they purchase will be safe to use, so long as they follow the warnings and instructions. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Instead, statistics say that some 48 people die of consumer product-related electrocution each year. Learn how you can obtain full and fair compensation if you or your loved one has been killed or injured by a consumer product, and discover how a seasoned, competent personal injury lawyer can assist you with the process. 

The Truth About Consumer Product Recalls

Ideally, products would not be released to the public until after they have undergone a rigorous safety inspection. Sadly, there are holes in the system, so numerous defective items are placed into the hands of consumers each year. Sometimes the defects are caught before an injury or death occurs, but usually, it is a tragedy that sparks a recall. From there, consumers must rely on news sources, online notifications, and product registries to inform them of the dangerous item. Sadly, this system does not always work either, so many people continue to use a product that is unsafe. Because of that continued use, their risk of a death or injury may increase, and if one does occur, their chances of a full and fair settlement may decrease. 

Spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner. Cookouts, camping trips, days at the beach, and swimming pools will soon be a way of life. Most people will go home each night tired and maybe a little red from the sun. However, there will be others who suffer an injury, are hospitalized, or never make it home—hiding within all that fun, there are unseen risks. Electrocution risks in swimming pools are one of the first to be addressed after a Burlingame father's death.

Easter Weekend Becomes a Tragedy for One Family

According to NBC News, a father of three was hosting a pool party at his Palm Springs home when the water in his pool became electrically charged. The man noticed the children in the water were turning blue and he dove into the pool to try and save them. One of the children was his daughter. The father died at the hospital and his nine-year-old daughter is intensive care. Four other swimmers from the party were released and a 10-year-old boy remains in stable condition.

Electrocutions are relatively common for construction or utility workers, electricians, or on other types of job sites. However, many people may not appreciate the risk of electrocution in their own homes.

Home electrocutions can occur for many different reasons, including faulty wiring, defective appliances or power tools, and faulty outlets. Moreover, electrocutions can cause serious injuries to you or your family members. The following steps can be taken to prevent electrocutions in your home:

• Notice changes in your appliances — If any electric appliance suddenly gives you a shock, sparks, or blows a fuse or circuit breaker, do not simply ignore the problem. The appliance may be malfunctioning. Instead, keep it unplugged and call for a professional inspection;
• Check cords — Cords on lamps, appliances, and other electronic devices should be safe for regular household use. If you notice a cord beginning to wear, bend, or fray, you should stop using that product. Defective cords can cause both electrocutions and electrical fires;
• Use trusted professionals — If you need any type of electrical work done, it is always important to seek help from a trusted professional instead of trying to cheaply complete the job. Individuals who are not properly trained, or are not licensed electricians, can cause serious dangers if wiring mistakes are made;
• Keep electronics away from water — While everyone should know not to use electric appliances or products by a sink or bathtub, even a little moisture can cause an appliance to malfunction and electrocute the user;
• Do not overload outlets — There are several products on the market like cube taps that allow you to stretch the use of one outlet. While these products may claim they are safe for household use, overloading an outlet in this manner can cause an overloaded circuit, overheated wiring, and can often lead to electrocution or fire; and
• Take care when decorating for the holidays — Both indoor and outdoor holiday lights present the risk of electrocution, especially if you have several strands of lights going into a single outlet. Make sure you are not overloading the maximum power of the outlet and that lights are not near any water or flammable materials.

Contact a Qualified Green Bay Burn Injury and Electrocution Attorney