While both electrocution and electric shock are related to electrical injuries, there are key differences between these two terms. Understanding the distinction is important when you are pursuing a New York injury claim for electrical injuries.

Electrocution is a term often used in reference to fatal electrical accidents. Electric shock can be extremely dangerous but is often less severe and rarely results in death.

Victims of electrocution and electric shock deserve a dedicated attorney to help them fight for compensation from the at-fault party. The Law Offices of Mark E. Seitelman are here to help when you need an advocate in your corner. Whether you were injured in an electrical accident at work, on someone else’s property, or on New York’s roads, our personal injury attorneys will fight relentlessly for your right to compensation.

Electrocution vs. Electric Shock: Key Differences Explained

The terms electrocution and electric shock are often used interchangeably, but there are important differences that anyone pursuing an injury claim should be aware of.

Electrocution

Electrocution describes an electrical incident that causes fatal injury. Electrocution can result from contact with live wires, exposure to equipment that is improperly grounded, and electrical defects. Common causes include contact with high-voltage or live electrical wires and defective electrical equipment.

Electric Shock

Electric shock occurs when contact with low-voltage electrical wires or another source of electricity causes injury. The types of injury caused by electric shock can range in severity from minor to catastrophic, and victims may experience:

  • Cardiac arrest
  • Spine damage
  • Severe burns
  • Respiratory distress
  • Neurological damage

The Dangers of Electrocution

When electrical current enters the body, it can cause severe pain and damage to the body’s tissues and internal organs. Electrocution injuries are fatal due to the high-voltage or extended contact with the power source. Lightning strikes and contact with sources like overhead power lines and other high-voltage electrical sources can lead to death. Conditions like cardiac arrest, respiratory issues, organ failure, and brain bleeds are among the electrocution injuries that are often fatal.

The Dangers of Electric Shock

Even though victims can survive electric shocks and are therefore considered less severe incidents than electrocution, these electrical injuries can cause significant damage. Because of the high risk of cardiac issues associated with electric shock, it is recommended that victims of these accidents are treated as trauma and cardiac patients.

The severity of damage caused by electric shock depends on various factors, including the voltage of the electrical source and the length of contact. Symptoms like burns, respiratory arrest, seizures, loss of consciousness, bleeding in the skull, and rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle death and kidney damage, are common after a severe electric shock.

Electrocution and Electric Shock: Statistics

Electrocution accidents cause approximately 1,000 deaths each year, and workplace electrocution is the fourth-leading cause of employment-related death. Around 150 electrocution fatalities occur in the workplace each year, and nearly three-fourths of these deaths happen in non-electrical occupations. Workers in the following fields have the highest number of electrical fatalities:

  • Electricians
  • Laborers
  • Construction workers
  • Electrical power installers
  • Tree trimmers

Around 30,000 electric shock accidents cause non-fatal injuries each year, and 5% of burn unit admissions are electric shock victims.

Children make up about 20% of all annual electrical injuries in the United States.

Emergency Response: First Aid for Electric Shock and Electrocution

To prevent electrocution and electric shock injuries, workers should ensure they are using appropriate protective equipment and performing routine safety checks on equipment that uses electricity. At home, secure electrical equipment, avoid using faulty or damaged equipment and do not use electrical appliances near water.

Not all electrical accidents can be prevented, so if you or someone you know experienced an electric shock, consider the following first-aid tips:

  • Move quickly to shut off the power source. If that is not possible, use a nonconducting object to separate the victim from the source.
  • Call 911 to report the incident and request emergency medical services.
  • Once the victim is away from the electrical source, begin CPR if they are not breathing or there are no signs of circulation or movement.
  • Keep the victim warm, but do not use a blanket or towel over burned skin because the fibers can stick to the burned area.

Legal Options for Victims of Electrocution and Electric Shock Due to Negligence

A personal injury lawsuit may be an option for victims of electric shock accidents, and receiving compensation from the at-fault party can provide much-needed financial support while you are recovering from physical injuries and emotional trauma.

The Law Offices of Mark E. Seitelman can provide compassionate and experienced guidance for your electric shock injury claim. Our NYC personal injury lawyers have been helping clients for over 30 years, and we have a long track record of success in recovering compensation for our clients.

Compensation for Electrocution and Electric Shock Victims: What Damages Can You Recover?

Electric shock victims in New York can recover economic and non-economic damages if their injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing. Economic damages include costs associated with medical care, lost wages, and other expenses necessitated by the electrocution incident. Non-economic damages refer to subjective harm caused by the accident, such as pain and suffering.

If you’ve suffered severe injuries as a result of an electric shock accident, you may be able to recover medical costs associated with your existing bills, future necessary care, surgical treatments, therapy costs, assistive devices, and various other medical services. It’s important that your claim for compensation includes existing medical needs and costs, as well as expenses you are expected to incur in the future.

Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Seitelman to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers.