Electrical burn injury can be severe

Burn injury from electrical sources is a very specialized type of burn. In fact, electrical burn is the most common type of injury associated with electricity – and can be one of the most difficult to see. Injuries may be readily visible including dry and cracked skin or in more serious cases, charring of the skin. But internal burns to tissues that are not visible can lead to internal bleeding and the destruction of nerves, muscles, and other tissues.

Burns can be severe

The severity of an electrical burn injury depends on several factors:

Generally speaking high-voltage, long duration contact will result in a more severe electrical burn injury than low-voltage, short duration contact. However it is important to note that most injuries, especially in the workplace, are not directly due to electrical burn and shock, but of resulting falls and collisions causing cuts, bruises, broken bones, and possible death. In the United States, there are approximately 1,000 electrical deaths each year at home and in the workplace. Over 50% of these accidents are a result of low-voltage shocks. (Stats do not including lightning strikes, adding another 300-700 deaths per year.)

Three sources of electrical burn injury

Shock-related burns are divided into three distinct types: electrical burns, thermal burns, and arc burns.

Electrical Burns occur as a result of the body making contact with an electrical circuit, and therefore becoming part of the circuit. Burns are caused as the current generates heat passing through skin, bone, and internal tissues during contact.

Thermal Burns occur when a body part touches or comes too close to surfaces overheated by electrical components including conductors or other energized pieces of equipment.

Arc Burns occur when electricity arcs near or to the body. Also called “flash burns,” this source usually produces surfaces burns of ranging severity, but may also cause internal damage.

All three sources of electrical burns may occur in one accident. Also, flammable materials near the source, including clothing, may catch fire causing further burns to the victim.

Electrical burn treatment

First, the source of electrical burn and shock must be disconnected from the victim. Do not touch or come close to the victim until the electrical source has been removed. Perform CPR and mouth to mouth as required, and seek immediate medical attention for all burn injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered electrical injury due to an unsafe workplace, faulty wiring, or other cause due to someone else’s negligence, contact the electrical injury lawyers at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have over three decades of helping victims receive the compensation they need and deserve to cover medical costs, lost wages, and long term costs. Don’t settle for less. Get the team at Jim S. Adler & Associates on your side. Click the link on this page or call us directly  toll-free at 1-800-505-1414 for a free case review.