It is very common for a person to use the word electrocution when they mean electric shock and vice versa. The truth is that the difference between the two terms is literally life and death. To learn more about what each term means, keep reading. If you have lost a loved one in an electrocution accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
The definition of electrocution
Both electrocutions and electric shocks are serious injuries but one is much more serious than the other. Electrocution refers to an accident with electricity in which a person died. Common causes of this type of accident including exposure to electrical sources like exposed wires, contact with power lines or electrical arc flash, and contact with a downed power line.
The definition of an electric shock
On the other hand, an electric shock is one that involves electrical harm but in which the victim does not die. Does this mean that the injury is minor? Not by a long shot. These can be serious and even catastrophic injury cases. They can cause life-changing injuries.
Some of the most common injuries a person can deal with after being electrical shocked include amputation, severe burns, memory loss, cardiac arrest, brain damage, arrhythmia, nerve damage, heart muscle damage, permanent heart damage, injuries caused by falling after being shocked, hearing loss, loss of kidney function, seizure, spine injury, cataracts, and respiratory failure.
The difference between electrocution and electric shock from a legal standpoint
If a person or their family has been affected by an electrocution or electric shock, then they may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. They can sue for damages and compensation if the at-fault party was an individual, utility, corporation, contractor, or other entity.
The main difference from a legal standpoint is that if the victim died, their family would file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover damages related to the death. If the person who was injured is still alive, then they would need to file a negligence lawsuit for damages including past and ongoing medical costs, loss of income, disability, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Has your life been impacted by an electrocution or electric shock?
If your life has been impacted by an electric shock or electrocution accident, whether due to your own injury or the death of a loved one, then it is time to contact a personal injury attorney to find out what your options are. You can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas by calling 909-982-0707. We will begin with a free legal consultation during which we will take the time to understand your unique situation. We will provide our best advice on how you can get the compensation you deserve.
