Certain types of industries, construction for example, pose electrical hazards. There may not be any warning for workers who inadvertently find themselves in a position where they are working with faulty electricals and dangerous wiring.
For those working at height, power lines pose a significant risk. As a result, this puts those people working in these professions in an unacceptable position whereby they face the risk of electrocution. Electrocution can cause serious injury and in the worst-case scenario, it can be fatal.
Burns are not the only cause of death post-electrocution
Although it may seem like the most common cause of death in electrocution cases, there are many factors other than burns that can contribute to a person’s death. When someone is electrocuted, the current enters their body and travels around as it tries to find the nearest point of exit. This, in turn, often causes cardiac arrest in the process.
Other causes of death include:
- Secondary injuries sustained as a result of falling from height or falling into/onto something as a result of the electrocution
- Electrical shock can lead to brain injury. This may be a result of the electrocution itself or the after-effects of loss of oxygen for a prolonged period. This can cause severe neurological complications and death.
- Hyperthermia can also occur due to the rapid change in the body’s temperature. This occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can exude.
- Sepsis is also an issue for electrocution victims that can cause death, especially if it is not identified quickly enough.
Losing a loved one due to the negligent act of another is completely devastating. Where there is evidence of negligence you may be able to make a wrongful death claim against the party responsible.