Electrocution happens when a person is injured or killed by an electric shock. This article discusses the types of electrocution accidents that can occur.

One of the more common types of electrocution accidents that come to mind for many people are electric shocks from downed power lines. However, there are also accidents that occur due to unsafe workplace conditions, defective products, and improperly de-energizing electrical equipment.

People most commonly encounter electric shocks from contact with power lines. It is the responsibility of the electric companies to use proper installation techniques, to conduct maintenance, and to issue necessary repairs in a timely manner to protect the public.

Although contact with power lines accounts for many electric shock accidents, there are a surprising number of other types of cases involving electrocution. Electric shock can occur in the workplace when employees work in unsafe conditions. Some causes of unsafe working conditions that can lead to electric shock include working with a lack of safety guidelines, using malfunctioning machinery, or being exposed to wires without adequate protections. People can also suffer electric shocks when businesses fail to de-energize equipment or machinery prior allowing every day passersby come into contact with them.

Electric shocks aren’t uncommon in the home. Many people suffer from electric shocks due to defective products such as appliances and tools.

Victims of electrocution accidents who want to bring personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits in New York may need an experienced litigation attorney due to the complex investigation involved. Often times, attorneys bring in outside experts such as electrical engineers to prove that the defending party is responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries.

Electric shocks travel easily throughout the human body and can be deadly. They can also cause severe burns and internal body damage to the muscles, nerves or brain.

Parties injured by electrocution accidents may be entitled to legal remedies. Compensation may be recovered for medical expenses, nursing care, lost wages, disfigurement, loss of a primary care provider (if the deceased had a family), and pain and suffering.

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