What Are Electrical Burns?

Anytime a person works near or comes into contact with exposed or defective electrical wires, they are at risk of an electrical burn. These types of burns are a little different from regular burns, and the damage they cause is often very serious. In fact, it is not uncommon for victims of electrical burns to experience lifelong consequences or even die from these injuries and related complications. If you or a family member suffered one of these injuries, a burn injury lawyer may be able to help you recover compensation.

What is an electrical burn, and what symptoms may indicate that you have one?

If any voltage of electricity touches your skin or enters your body, there is a strong chance that you may have an electrical burn. Some of the symptoms of an electrical burn include:

• Visible patches of burned skin
• Redness, blisters, or inflammation on the skin
• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Numbness or tingling
• Headache
• Feeling lightheaded
• Heart arrhythmia
• Confusion
• Balancing issues
• Breathing problems

It is important to know that electrical burns are not very common. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) states, “Of all burns treated in a medical setting, 4% to 5% are electrical.” However, when they do happen, they are often severe. More than 1,000 people die from electrical burns and injuries across the United States each year, and around 400 of these deaths are due to high-voltage injuries.

What are the common causes of electrical burns in Chicago?

The Burn and Reconstructive Centers of America (BRCA) explains that electrical burns occur when an individual comes into contact with exposed wires or parts from electrical appliances or other electrical sources. Some of the most common causes of an electrical burn in Chicago include:

• Damaged power lines
• Downed power lines
• Working around exposed electrical wiring
• Faulty or defective appliances
• Faulty or defective electrical wiring
• Electrical wires or appliances are subject to water
• Improper use or installation of electrical equipment or wires

Electrical burns can happen in the comfort of your home, workplaces, construction sites, neighborhood pool, or even during a car accident. The NCBI states that adults usually experience electrical burns and injuries in an occupational setting, while children usually experience these injuries in their households.

Are there different types of electrical burns?

Yes, there are three different types of electrical burns. Below, we will provide a brief description of each.

1. Electrical burn: An electrical burn occurs when an individual comes into direct contact with electrical wiring or equipment. Most often, electrical burns occur when electrical equipment or wiring is defective or improperly maintained.
2. Arc burn: An arc burn is a severe burn that typically occurs without direct contact with electrical wiring or equipment. A person may receive an arc burn, also called an arc blast, from electrical currents swarming through the air. This usually happens when electrical currents move from “an area of high resistance to an area of low resistance,” and an individual becomes caught in these currents.
3. Thermal contact burn: Thermal contact burns typically occur when an electrical source causes a fire or explosion. For example, if an electrical source experiences a buildup, which results in an explosion of various materials, such as gasses, dust, or vapors, into the air, a person’s body may be subject to thermal contact burns.

What are the effects of an electrical burn?

Although most people only associate burns with skin damage, it is important to know that electrical currents can also enter your body and cause serious internal injuries and damage. Therefore, when a person suffers an electrical burn, they may experience long-term and permanent effects that impact their everyday lives going forward. Here are some of the effects of an electrical burn:

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Heart dysfunction or cardiac arrest
• Kidney damage or failure
• Muscle problems
• Damage to the nervous system
• Fractures or dislocations
• Head or brain injuries
• Tissue damage
• Infections
• Lacerations
• Third-degree burns
• Scarring and disfigurement

The BRCA explains that the severity of burns, injuries, and effects likely depends on the voltage, duration, pathway, and tissue resistance.

How is an electrical burn diagnosed?

If you suspect that you or another person has an electrical burn, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine and think nothing is wrong, you should still get checked out by a licensed medical provider. Some tests they may perform include:

• A physical examination
• Running blood tests and labs
• Ordering a urinalysis
• Conducting and looking at imaging tests
• Checking out and monitoring your heart with an electrocardiogram

Who can be held liable for an electrical burn?

Most electrical burns are completely preventable. Therefore, when they occur, it is usually because of another’s negligent actions or behavior. Each person’s electrical burn accident is different, which means that you should consider speaking with an attorney about your accident to find out who can be held legally responsible. The following are a few of the most common parties that are held liable for these types of injuries:

• Manufacturers
• Designers
• Retailers
• Company or business owners
• Employers
• Landlords/ apartment/ or property owners
• Maintenance workers
• Electricians
• Contractors
• Pool owners
• Construction workers
• Co-workers

If you or a loved one suffered an electrical burn due to someone else’s negligence, the Chicago burn injury lawyers at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers are here to help. We have decades of experience assisting clients with various electrical burn and injury cases. Whether your accident and injuries were caused by a defective product, negligence in your apartment building or workplace, or downed power lines that were not taken care of, you can count on us to guide you through the legal process and help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation in Chicago today.