Understanding Electrical Hazard Injuries
As reported by Local 10 News, a state fire marshal has announced the determination that a recent fire that killed seven people was accidental and resulted from an electrical issue in the attic. A mother and her six children perished in the Mississippi fire. The father tried unsuccessfully to save his family members and suffered injuries in the process including smoke inhalation, burns, cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, there were no working smoke alarms in the home that could have provided early detection and and potentially given the victims more time to escape. Sadly, the youngest victim was just a baby.
What Kind of Injuries Result From Electrical Hazards?
Many electrocution accidents result in severe and catastrophic injuries. As outlined in the tragic example above, electrical defects can result in fires that have a devastating impact. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control have asserted that there are four main categories of injuries that can result when a person is unfortunate enough to come into contact with an electrical current itself. These injuries are:
- Electrocution
- Electric shock
- Burns
- Falls caused as a result of contact with electrical energy
Unfortunately, all of the injuries that can result from electrical hazards have the potential to be fatal.
Who is Liable?
Everyone should strive to follow simple safety precautions such as installing working smoke alarms and keeping batteries changed once it’s installed. However, an emergency can happen at any time that is at no fault of your own. Whether you are visiting someone else, staying in a hotel, or even live in a property that is owned and maintained by someone else, another person or entity may be liable if you happen to become the victim of an electrical hazard. That means that you may be entitled to recover compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Long Do I Have to Pursue a Claim?
You should always pursue medical attention immediately if you have been injured as the result of an electrical hazard. If you suspect that hazard resulted from someone else’s negligence, you should also ensure that you carefully document everything that has occurred including taking pictures of the scene of your injury, keeping up with receipts from your medical visits, and making sure you have contact information for anyone else who was present. Additionally, understand that you should contact an experienced attorney to discuss your potential claim as soon as possible because the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Florida is only four years from the date of the injury. The sooner you obtain legal help, the better your chances of preserving evidence and maximizing your rights.
Contact Us Today
Both the immediate and the long-term consequences of electrocution and electrical shock accidents can be devastating. As the Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping injury victims and their families recover compensation for their losses. Reach out for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
local10.com/news/national/2020/02/10/electrical-issue-in-attic-started-house-fire-that-killed-7/
https://www.pendaslaw.com/is-a-grocery-store-liable-for-a-customers-injury/
