Electrical accidents are more common than you may think. Nearly 1,000 people die each year from some form of electric shock and tens of thousands more are injured—both on- and off-the-job. Navigating personal injury liability and workers’ compensation can be difficult, but we’re here to help you understand what you may be entitled to when it comes to filing electric shock lawsuits.

Personal Injury Cases

Lawsuits for electrical injuries, like all personal injury cases, need to prove that another party was at fault. If you were hurt while doing amateur electric work in your own home, you don’t have a case. But if you were injured due to someone else’s faulty wiring or due to a faulty consumer product, then you may have a case.In general, you need to show the other was negligent in a way that caused you harm. This requires proof that:

1. They owed you a duty of care
2. They breached the duty of care
3. You incurred damages as a result of the breach

If you are able to successfully prove the party’s negligence, you may be entitled to three types of damages:

1. Economic damages: medical expenses, lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses
2. Non-economic damages: compensation for subjective trauma such as pain and suffering
3. Punitive damages: intended to punish the defendant if their conduct was grossly negligent or intentional

On the Job Injuries

It’s an entirely different situation if you are injured on the job. If you are an employee who suffered an electrical injury because of a workplace accident, you will likely be able to file a workers’ compensation claim.Unlike a personal injury case, there’s no need to show proof of negligence to receive compensation for these injuries. Most on-the-job injuries are covered under workers’ compensation insurance for medical expenses and lost wages. It’s important to note that an “exclusive remedy” provision prevents you from also suing your employer for an on-the-job injury.

Do You Have a Case?

Whether you have a case comes down to proving liability through negligence. We can help you determine the evidence you need to prove your case, from medical records to photographs and eyewitness statements. Contact us today and we’ll review the information to see if you have a case, and if so, what damages you may be eligible to receive.