Electrical Accident Compensation

There is no doubt that electricity is a wonderful thing. The device you are reading this blog from is going to be using it, and no doubt if you looked around it may surprise you to realise just how much we actually depend on it.

As we all come into contact with it and use it so often, it is hard to forget that it is potentially a very dangerous force of nature.

Of course, the main injury that can be caused by electricity is an electric shock and at its worst- electrocution.  In this blog I hope to discuss two things (mainly focussing on the second):

1. General observations regarding electric shocks
2. Electric shocks at work.

So firstly, the main causes leading to an electric shock can be faulty wiring, water penetration, and poorly maintained electrical equipment. It is also common for children to poke their fingers into sockets which have not been safeguarded. The range of injuries caused by electricity can range from the short shock we’ve all received from static electricity when we have dragged our feet along the carpet, to a fatal electrocution. Electric shocks can have undesirable consequences- most commonly burns or nerve damage. However, if a person already has a ‘health defect’ it can also trigger this; for example, if somebody has a weak heart or a pacemaker fitted, the effects of an electric shock can be serious.

Secondly, many electric shocks occur in the workplace- especially, and not surprisingly, on building sites – and there are a number of circumstances that can arise.

1. Any electrical equipment you are asked to use at work should be properly tested and maintained. According to health and safety regulations this will involve regular PAT testing (PAT standing for portable appliance testing).Once this has been performed, and the equipment deemed safe, there should be a green label displayed on the product along with the date. It is always advisable to check that this is up to date prior to using the equipment.
2. Alongside this, anyone asked to use the equipment should receive adequate training (that should be continuously reviewed) and personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of being hurt – for example, protective gloves.

Workers drilling into walls are at risk of hitting hit hidden cables and therefore it is your employer’s responsibility to ensure the area you are working in is safe!

If you have suffered from an electric shock because of somebody else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. As part of your claim we can look to include any loss that you have sustained due to your accident and try and put you back to the position would have been prior to the injury.

Unfortunately, electrocution can be fatal and therefore it may be the case that you wish to pursue a claim on behalf of someone who has unfortunately passed away. Here at The Injury Lawyers, we will handle your claim sensitively and as efficiently as possible to remove any unnecessary burdens on yourself.

Don’t hesitate to contact our specialist personal injury lawyers on 0800 634 75 75.