San Diego Car Accidents Electric Shock Attorneys

Car accidents are often violent and traumatic events that can cause broken bones, concussions, and other serious injuries. Although not often discussed, car accidents can also cause significant electric shock injuries.

At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know how challenging it can be to recover from the aftermath of a car accident, especially one that wasn’t your fault. Electric shock injuries from car accidents can result in scarring, disfigurement, and quality of life changes. Coping with these injuries can be both mentally and financially challenging. You need someone on your side who will advocate for you and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Did a negligent driver or mechanical failure lead to an accident? You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and hold the responsible party accountable. Contact an experienced San Diego car accident attorney today to discuss your case. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, our legal team is ready to help you pursue maximum compensation. Call our office at (619) 233-5020 to set up your free initial consultation today.

How Are Electric Shock Injuries Caused?

Electric shock injuries occur when the human body comes into contact with an electrical current or energy source. The power of the electrical current can surge through the body and result in burns, tissue damage, cardiac arrest, and potentially death.

The seriousness of electric shock injuries will generally depend on the strength of the electrical current. A milliampere is a unit used to measure the strength of an electrical current. Most people are used to seeing this unit of measurement referred to as an “amp.” The Occupational Safety and Health Administration charts the effects of electric shock by milliampere:

• Below one milliampere: Currents this weak generally do not cause internal or external harm to a person.
• One milliampere: Men and women may experience a mild tingling sensation
• Five milliamperes: Slight but jarring shock can occur, but generally little to no pain
• Six to 25 milliamperes: (women) Painful shock and potential for loss of muscle control
• Nine to 30 milliamperes: (men) Painful shock, loss of muscle control, and potential for not being able to let go of the source of the shock
• 50 to 150 milliamperes: Extremely painful shock, the potential for respiratory arrest, and muscle contractions. Exposure can potentially be fatal.
• 1,000 to 4,300 milliamperes: Muscle contractions, tissue damage, nerve damage, and cardiac arrest may be likely. Death can occur.
• 10,000 milliamperes: Burns, tissue damage, and cardiac arrest are almost assured. Death is probable.

Types of Electric Shock Injuries and Possible Complications

Exposure to electrical current can cause a wide range of injuries, the most common being thermal and electrical burns. However, several other potential injuries can be caused by electric shock, including:

• Burns
• Loss of muscle control
• Nerve damage
• Muscle damage
• Soft tissue damage

If the electrical current is strong enough, muscles can spasm to the point where they can potentially break bones. Crucial bodily functions, like the beating of the heart, are controlled by electrical impulses. When the body is exposed to an exterior electrical current, this can interfere with the impulses and cells that control heart rhythm, causing cardiac arrest. Other complications caused by electric shock can include:

• Heart damage
• Brain damage
• Respiratory arrest
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Amputations
• Infection
• Death

Thermal and electrical burns are particularly prone to infection, especially if an individual is undergoing skin grafts. Long-term damage to nerves, muscle, and soft tissue may result in extensive scarring and loss of mobility.

How Does Electric Shock Happen in Car Accidents?

Being electrocuted is not the first thing people think of when they think about car accidents. Car accidents are typically associated with whiplash, concussion, and blunt force trauma wounds. However, electric shock following a car accident is possible and can happen in a variety of ways. One of the most common ways car accidents lead to electric shock is when a vehicle collides with an electrical or utility pole. When this occurs, the impact of the crash can be so intense that it dislodges overhead power lines. Downed power lines are extremely dangerous and have the power to kill the driver, passengers, and even passersby.

Your car doesn’t even have to be the vehicle that hit the power line to put you at risk for electric shock. Multivehicle accidents where one car hits an electrical pole may be enough to jeopardize all vehicles involved in the accident, even if they are not directly in the path of the downed lines. Being within 35 feet of an electrical line is hazardous because of invisible, rippling rings of high voltage.

Accidents caused by negligent drivers in hazardous weather conditions can also lead to electric shock injuries. Heavy rain or ice can down power lines along major roadways. If a car accident occurs on a wet or icy stretch of road near one of these lines, all drivers involved may be at risk of electric shock. Injuries may be especially significant because water is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Finally, although electric vehicles are generally safe, they may pose a slight risk of electric shock following an accident. The batteries in these vehicles do contain an electric charge. Following an accident, if a driver is careless around an electric vehicle or while inspecting the damage to their car, they can potentially be shocked by damaged cables or malfunctioning equipment. First responders, law enforcement, and rescue personnel may be at an increased risk of electric shock when responding to car accidents involving electric cars.

Contact a San Diego Car Accident Attorney

Electric shock injuries can reshape your life. At Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers, we know how challenging it can be to start the process of moving forward after an accident. We believe that you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries. Our legal team will fight by your side to see justice done.

If you’ve received an electric shock in a San Diego car accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, call Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for a free initial case evaluation. We will take the time to review your situation, discuss your rights, and help you understand which legal options may offer you the best chance at a positive outcome.