Electricity is dangerous. Just one-tenth (0.1) amp of electricity flowing through the human body for two seconds can cause death, any active electrical circuit can pose a potentially lethal hazard. Electrocutions account for more than 5% of all occupational fatalities, 14% of all deaths in the construction industry, and 5% of the deaths in the mining industry, and numerous home mishaps.  Many electrical accidents result in flash and burn injuries, fires, and explosions.

Electrical hazards in kitchens of commercial restaurants are of particular concern because of the variety of electrical appliances in use. A case investigation by the Center for Disease Control is tragic example. An 18-year-old male worker in a fast food restaurant died by electrocution on the job. The worker, who had 15 months' work experience at this restaurant, was electrocuted while kneeling to insert the plug of a portable electric toaster into a 110-12OV/20-amp outlet on a floor which had recently been damp-mopped. The victim was found convulsing. He had one hand on the plug, and the other on the receptacle box. Another worker who attempted to "take the pulse" of the victim received an electrical shock but was not injured. When the assistant manager saw what was happening, he went to the breaker box to shut off the current but was unable to locate the appropriate breaker. The emergency rescue squad was called, and before they arrived, the proper circuit breaker was located and thrown. By that time, the victim had been in contact with the electricity for three to eight minutes. Attempts at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by fellow workers and members of the emergency rescue squad were unsuccessful; the victim was pronounced dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. The specific events that resulted in this electrocution could not be defined with absolute precision. However, investigators concluded that while the victim was inserting the plug of the toaster into the receptacle with his right hand and holding open the grounded metal receptacle cover with his left hand, the index finger of his right hand touched an energized prong of the plug and he received an electrical shock across the chest.

Though safeguards, common sense, and safe practices can help eliminate many hazards, needless injuries and deaths occur from defective products and electrical systems. Anyone injured in an electrical accident should try to determine the cause of the accident. If you believe you, a love one, or friends have suffered injury due to a electrical accident, you may have a valid injury claim and entitled to compensation. Legal claims involving electrical injuries may involve complex legal, medical and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters to consider when evaluating a claim.

• When, where, and under what circumstances did the accident occur?

• Did the accident happen at home or on the job?

• Did the accident involve an electrical product?

• Is the product available?

• Has there been an investigation of the accident?

• Was the electrical system properly examined?

• Was a ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) of the breaker or receptacle type installed in situations where electricity and wetness coexist?

• Did the GFCIs interrupt the electrical circuit before current sufficient to cause death or serious injury has passed through a body?

• Was the GFCIs properly installed by a qualified electrician?

• Were exposed receptacle boxes made of nonconductive material so that contact with the box will not constitute "a ground"?

• Were plugs and receptacles designed to prevent energization?

• Were all circuit breaker or fuse boxes bear a label for each circuit breaker or fuse which clearly identifies its corresponding outlets and fixtures?

• Were breaker switches being used as on-off switches?

• In work accidents, were workers, when hired, made aware of electrical hazards and of safe work practices by which to avoid these hazards?

• Were workers informed that, in the event of an electrical injury, no contact should be made with the victim or the electrical apparatus causing the injury until the current has been shut off?

• Was proper first aid available?

• Was proper emergency procedures followed?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate a electrical accident claims. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If you, a friend, or loved have sustained an electrical injury, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients.