Burns can have a lasting effect on the way you look and the health of an affected part of the body. Severe burns to the hands may necessitate amputation of fingers and the loss of full use of your hands, for instance. Most people associate burn injury accidents with flames and heated surfaces, but electricity and chemicals can also result in catastrophic injuries. Walnut Creek, CA personal injury attorneys Richard T. Bowles and Michael P. Verna know the damage that these other kinds of burn injuries can cause.
The legal team at Bowles & Verna would like to consider some of the dangers associated with electrical burns and electrocution. We will then look at how we can help you seek damages from the party responsible for your burn injury.
Causes of Electrical Fires
Potential causes of electrocution and electrical fires include:
- Poor electrical wiring
- Damaged/frayed extension cords
- Problems with power lines
- Overloaded electrical circuits
- Issues with portable generators
- High-wattage power tools
- Damaged cords on power tools
- Poorly maintained or defective machinery
- Mistakes during welding jobs
We should also note that sparks can land on flammable materials and cause fires to occur. While not an electrical burn per se, these are still serious hazards to keep in mind.
Why Electrical Fires Are So Dangerous
Electrical fires do more than affect the skin. If you are severely electrocuted, you may suffer from second-degree and third-degree burns, but the damage might also go deeper. As electricity courses through the body, it can do serious damage to the nerves and muscles. The electricity might also affect your heart and your central nervous system.
Being shocked is no joke, and severe electrocutions can change your wellness and general well being for the rest of your life.
The Lasting Effects of Electrical Burn Injuries
Like any topical burn, electrical burns can result in serious disfigurement of the affected part of the body. Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery may be required to address the trauma to the skin and its underlying tissues.
As we noted above, the extent of electrical injuries goes far beyond the skin. Damaged nerves and muscle fibers could mean problems with the use of a limb. You may no longer have sensation in part of your body, and could have problems with overall function (e.g., loss of grip strength, inability to move fingers). Damage to the central nervous system could further impact your mobility as well as the health of your brain. Issues with cognition and mood may be linked to your electrical burn because of the current that coursed through your body.
Holding Negligent Parties Liable
If your electrical injury was the result of another person or party’s negligence, it’s crucial that they be held accountable for the harm they caused. Our lawyers will hold property owners, worksite managers, product manufacturers, and any negligent party accountable for the unsafe conditions that resulted in your electrocution and burn injuries.
Legal Damages Following an Electrical Injury
The damaged sought in an electrical burn case will be able to cover medical expenses, future surgical procedures, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and any costs associated with the burn itself. These are known as compensatory damages. You may also seek punitive damages, which are a monetary award that punishes the party for the egregious nature of their negligence and the overall extent of the harm it caused.
Learn More About Burn Injury Lawsuits
To learn more about your legal rights and options following an electrical injury, it’s important that you contact our team of burn injury and accident attorneys. The lawyers of Bowles & Verna are here to help. You can reach our law firm by phone at (925) 935-3300.