The Different Types of Electrical Injuries

This article was updated: Feb. 1st, 2023

Every year in the state of Texas, many people are injured by accidental contact with an electrical source. While some electrical accidents may result in superficial burns, some may cause serious harm and even disability. Our work injury lawyers know that these electrical accidents create substantial personal injuries which are the subjects of attorneys’ lawsuits. Although electricity leaves telltale marks on an injured person, holding the responsible parties liable requires informed investigation, and careful legal work. But before seeking out an attorney who offers years of experience litigating electrical injury cases, you will first need to understand the different types of electrical injuries.

Burns

As technology continues to evolve and more electrical equipment is introduced to homes and workplaces, the incidences of electrical burns continue to rise. Certain professions such as cable servicing, construction, and electrical repair put people at higher risks for electrical burn injuries. These electrical burn injuries range from first-degree to third-degree, and can either be internal or external. They occur when electricity causes the body tissues to burn. Even though the burn may look trivial, the extent of internal damage may be quite severe. That being said, there are six main types of electrical burns: arc burns, low voltage burns, high voltage burns, oral burns, flash burns, and flame burns.

Electrical shock

Electrical shock injuries occur when a person comes into direct contact with an electric power source. The electrical energy flows through the individual’s body causing a shock. The body is made up mostly of water and is, therefore, a good conductor for an electric current. The electrical shock injuries may be mild, moderate or devastating. A mild shock only leaves a light tingling sensation while a moderate shock can cause the muscles in the body to contract. However, severe electrical shock may result in devastating heart or respiratory failure, and even death. It must be noted that electric shock injuries are less common than burn injuries.

Electrocution

This type of electrical injury is caused by the involuntary and sudden introduction of persistent – or large – amounts of electricity into the human body. The electric power introduced into the body is so powerful that it stops the heart and causes death. In cases of low-level electrocution, no noticeable visual marks are left. However, in high-level electrocution, there are external visual indicators such as burning of the hair and skin. Electrocution kills a number of people in Texas every year and is usually a result of an electrical accident. These accidents can only be prevented once people learn to consider the ramifications before placing themselves at the receiving end of nature’s dangerous elements.

Falls

Electrical fall injuries mostly occur in workplaces when an individual is working on or near an electric power line. These injuries are a result of the fall and are caused by contact with the electrical source. Depending on the distance of the fall, these injuries can turn out to be devastating. The survivors may be faced with long-term discomfort and muscular pain, headaches, fatigue, issues with peripheral nerve sensation, and many other severe conditions.

For more information on the different types of electrical injuries, you can always contact an experienced work injury attorney.