Electrical Injuries

The number of Americans fatally electrocuted while on the job or performing at-home repairs continues to rise. The most common form of electrocution is shock-related injuries, normally resulting in burns. Burn afflictions fall under one of three categories: arc burns, electrical burns, and thermal contact burns.

Electrical burns are a direct result of electric current flowing through either tissue or bone. The primary characteristic of electrical burns is signs of an exit wound. Because electricity flows through multiple points of the body, it is important to study the points of exit and entry, whether it is veins, nerves, muscles, or arteries. Electric burns can present bigger problems such as bone fractures due to intense muscle contractions or from falling after electrocution.

For example, most entry points begin in the hand and can potentially exit it the opposite hand, increasing the likelihood of electricity passing through the heart. Electrical burns can be one of the most fatal injuries a person receives, requiring immediate medical attention.

Arc Burns and Thermal Contact Burns

Arc burns are shock-related injuries frequently caused by abnormally high temperatures near the body produced by an explosion or other electric arc.

Thermal contact burns are generated from skin contact with overheated electric conductors, hot surfaces, conduits of electricity, or any other energy-dependent equipment.

Contact US

If you or a coworker has been electrocuted on the job, do not hesitate to contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of Palmer & Associates, P.C., at 702-888-2222.