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Electric shock

The effects of an electric shock can range from minor to far more serious and debilitating consequences.

Dangerous

While electricity is a useful commodity, it is also dangerous, and every year thousands of people suffer injury by electric shock.

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Faulty electrical equipment is the most common cause of electrical shock injury claims in the workplace. However, an electric shock can be caused by several things, including faulty wiring or failure to provide adequate training and equipment to people working with electrical equipment. The extent of the injuries will depend upon a number of things, including the size of the voltage and which part of the body is involved. A voltage as low as 50 volts can block the electrical signals between the brain and the muscles, resulting in spasms, cardiac arrest and breathing difficulties. In the more severe cases, an electric shock can be fatal.

It is quite common for victims of electric shock to have been working on their own at premises. This can present evidential difficulties, but it does not always preclude a successful claim for injury and loss. Investigations may identify failings on the part of the employer in respect of training, or implementation of suitable risk assessments, or also failings on the part of the owner of the premises or equipment in respect of maintenance or adequate warnings of a known risk.

Health & Safety laws aim to ensure reasonable steps are put in place by employers to protect their employees – including making sure you have the training and protective equipment needed to avoid an electric shock injury. However, these systems can break down when an employer fails to follow the rules and regulations or an accident is caused by the actions (or omissions) of a colleague.

If you do suffer from an electric shock injury which wasn’t your fault Minster Law may be able to help you receive compensation. We will act promptly to ensure the circumstances surrounding the accident are investigated quickly, so the cause of the accident is identified and those responsible are held accountable.

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There are four types of electric shock related injuries:

Electric shocks:

These are usually felt in the hands, feet, arms and/or legs. They are the side effects of having an electrical charge running through the body. The shock does not have to be extreme, even a small electric shock can cause injury to internal organs.

Falls:

These occur when performing electrical tasks above ground level, usually when on a ladder. A person can receive an electric shock and fall or be propelled from the ladder. This can cause physical injury from the fall together with injury from the electric shock itself.

Burns:

Electric shocks can cause two types of burns. The first is an electrical burn and the second is a thermal burn which is caused by the arc flash and blast.

Electrocution:

Electrocution is one of the most serious of injuries and can often be fatal.

Help & Advice

If you have an accident that causes you injury that's someone else’s fault, you may well have a personal injury claim. But what if the accident happened at work? Bringing a claim against your employer can seem scary, but we're here to help. Click below to find out more.

Making a claim against your employer