Electrical accidents are considered personal injury claims in Georgia. These types of accidents can range from minor to catastrophic and fatal. Electrocution injuries have the potential to cause life-changing consequences, and filing a personal injury claim is one way for victims to start to regain normalcy and control in their lives.
Electrocution and Electrical Safety Statistics
- Electrical accidents make up approximately 4% of injuries in burn units throughout the country.
- People who suffer a serious electrical burn have a 40% chance of dying from their injuries.
- Electricity-related injuries are the fifth leading cause of death in the workplace.
Filing an Electrical Accident Claim
The process for filing an electrical accident claim is similar to other personal injury claims. The first and most important step is to seek medical attention. Not only can getting the appropriate medical care save your life, but immediate treatment can prevent your symptoms from worsening. In addition to the benefits for your health, prompt medical attention is also advantageous for your injury claim.
When you are deciding whether or not to file a claim for your electrical injury, you should be aware that the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Georgia is two years. This means that there is a deadline two years from the date of your injury or accident, and if you don’t file before then, you may lose your chance.
Not all cases have this two-year timeframe, and it may be possible to have the deadline tolled or extended. You may want to speak to a personal injury attorney if you have questions about filing deadlines.
What to do if Someone is Electrocuted
The severity of an electric shock depends on numerous factors, including:
- The type of circuit
- The levels of voltage and amperage
- How long they were exposed
- How the current entered the body
- The person’s overall health
- How quickly they receive medical attention
Some symptoms to watch out for if you or someone you love has been electrocuted are:
- Skin burns
- Bone fractures
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Respiratory failure
- Loss of consciousness
If you need to render aid to someone who has suffered an electrical injury, check first to determine whether they are still in contact with the current. If so, cut off the source of power immediately and do not touch them. Once the power is shut off, check their breathing and pulse. Call 911 and report everything you know about what happened so they can receive the proper care.
Flanagan Law: Atlanta’s Electrocution Lawyers
One critical step in the process of filing a personal injury claim for an electrical injury is contacting an attorney. It is not required that you have a lawyer represent you, but it is highly recommended because the chances are high that the other party will have an attorney.
Contact Flanagan Law to discuss your case with one of our electrocution lawyers. Schedule your free consultation to learn more about your rights in Georgia.
