Los Angeles
Electrocution Lawyer
Electrocution injuries are sudden, frightening, and often life-changing. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming, and you may be unsure of where to turn or what steps to take next. At Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC, we understand the pain and confusion you’re going through, and we’re here to help you get through this difficult time. Our attorneys are experienced in fighting for the rights of victims and holding those responsible for your injuries accountable. Below, we’ll explain important information about electrocutions, the legal options available to victims, the possible types of financial compensation that can be received, and how an electrocution lawyer can fight on your behalf to secure justice and compensation.
Types of Electrocutions
An electric shock is where current travels through your body without causing severe external injuries. Electric shocks can vary in intensity, but even low-voltage shocks can lead to internal injuries, muscle spasms, and unconsciousness. Electric shocks typically don’t cause death but can be traumatic and lead to long-term health issues.
Another type of electrocution is burns caused by electricity. When an electric current flows through your body, it can cause severe external and internal burns. These burns may damage not only your skin but also your muscles, nerves, and organs. Electrical burns can be deceptive since the internal damage may be much worse than the external burns appear.
Electrocution can have devastating impacts on your life. In a fatal electrocution, the victim suffers a lethal amount of electrical current. In non-fatal cases, electrocution can cause permanent disabilities, such as nerve damage, muscle impairment, or cognitive difficulties. Victims often face extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
Causes of Electrocutions
The first cause of electrocution is faulty wiring. When a property has defective electrical wiring or improper installation, you may accidentally come into contact with live wires. This can happen in homes, offices, or even public spaces where the wiring has not been installed or maintained.
Another major cause of electrocution is defective products. If you use a malfunctioning electrical device or one that is poorly manufactured, you could be exposed to dangerous levels of electricity.
Negligent property maintenance is another common cause of electrocution. If you are in a building or on property where electrical systems have not been maintained, inspected, or repaired properly, you could face electrocution hazards.
Power line contact is another potential cause of electrocution. When power lines fall due to weather conditions, poor maintenance, or construction errors, you could be fatally injured.
High-Risk Areas in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, electrocutions are likely to occur in a variety of locations where electricity is in constant use. Construction sites are among the most common places where electrocution incidents happen. With heavy machinery, exposed wiring, and frequent use of power tools, you are at high risk of electrical injuries if safety protocols are not followed. Workers, as well as passersby, can be affected if electrical hazards are not properly addressed.
Electrocutions can also happen in residential homes. Faulty wiring, aging electrical systems, and defective appliances pose serious risks in older homes across Los Angeles. If your landlord or a property management company has not maintained the electrical systems properly, you could be exposed to dangerous conditions, especially during electrical storms or after natural disasters such as earthquakes.
Public spaces, such as parks or outdoor venues, can also be hazardous. Power lines running through these areas or electrical installations that are not adequately protected or maintained can cause accidental electrocutions.
Who to Sue
In California, several parties could potentially be liable for your electrocution injuries. Property owners can be held responsible if the incident occurred due to faulty wiring or unsafe conditions on their property. Under California’s premises liability laws, property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for guests, tenants, and visitors. If they fail to fix a known electrical hazard, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Employers could also be liable for electrocution injuries that happen in the workplace, especially at construction sites. Manufacturers of defective electrical products can also be held accountable if their products caused your electrocution. California’s strict liability laws for product defects mean that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be held responsible if a product fails to meet safety standards and causes harm.
Utility companies may also face liability in cases where electrocution results from faulty or poorly maintained power lines or electrical infrastructure.
Possible Forms of Compensation in a Lawsuit
If you were electrocuted, filing an insurance claim or lawsuit may be necessary to receive compensation for your losses. If the insurance claim does not cover the full extent of your losses or if liability is disputed, you may need to file a lawsuit.
In electrocution cases, you may be entitled to recover a variety of damages. This covers medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. You may also be able to recover damages for pain and suffering and loss of quality of life.
In California, close relatives, such as spouses, children, or parents, can file a wrongful death lawsuit in the unfortunate event of a fatal electrocution. Damages could cover funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support the deceased would have provided.
After Experiencing An Electrocution
If you experience an electrocution, your first priority should be to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel any immediate effects. Electrocution injuries can have delayed symptoms, such as internal damage or heart complications. It is crucial that a doctor evaluates your condition as soon as possible.
Once your immediate health concerns are addressed, you should document the scene of the accident and gather evidence. Take photos of any hazardous conditions, such as faulty wiring or a defective product, and obtain contact information from any witnesses who saw the incident. This information will be important if you decide to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.
It’s also essential to notify the relevant parties, such as your employer, landlord, or property owner, about the incident. Reporting the incident promptly will help establish a record of the event and may support your case later on.
Finally, an electrocution lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify liable parties, and build a strong case to pursue compensation. Your lawyer will also handle negotiations with insurance companies, helping to ensure that you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer could take the case to court and fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Los Angeles Electrocution Attorney Samer Habbas
If you or a loved one has suffered from an electrical accident, the experienced attorneys at Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC are here to stand by your side. We understand how devastating these injuries can be, and we know how to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t face this alone—contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your legal rights, the next steps you should take, and how we can help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit for an electrocution in California?
You have two years from the date of the electrocution to file a personal injury lawsuit in California.
Can I sue my employer if I was electrocuted at work?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer directly due to workers’ compensation laws in California. However, you can file a workers’ compensation claim, and in some cases, pursue third-party claims against other responsible parties.
Can I still file a claim if the electrocution happened on public property?
Yes, you could file a claim against a government entity if your electrocution occurred on public property. The deadline to file a claim is typically six months from the date of the injury.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the electrocution?
Yes, under California’s comparative fault laws, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
What if the electrocution caused my disability?
If the electrocution led to a long-term disability, you could seek compensation for ongoing medical care, loss of future earnings, and long-term rehabilitation costs in addition to other damages.