Health Consequences of Being Electrocuted on the Job

The injuries sustained from an electrocution accident in the workplace are often severe and debilitating. They can change your life and your ability to earn a living. Some of these injuries will be visible to anyone, while other injuries, such as those affecting the brain, will not be as obvious.

Under California’s workers’ compensation laws, you are entitled to medical treatment for all injuries related to your workplace accident, including mental injuries. If you have been injured in an electrocution accident, it is important to familiarize yourself with common injuries related to electrocution incidents so you can be on the lookout for both the short term and long term effects of your accident.

Common electrocution injuries include:

• Burns. Burns occur in almost all electrocution accidents. With these skin wounds, treatment can be difficult. Burn wounds may require elaborate dressings as well as antibiotics to avoid infection. Skin grafting may be required and in extreme cases, amputation may be the only option. Burning can also happen to internal organs, causing major damage that often affects organ function.
• Broken bones. Broken bones typically occur secondarily to the electrocution. For example, someone may be standing on a ladder when the electric shock accident occurs, resulting in a fall and fractured bones.
• Internal damage. An electric shock accident can have a profound effect on the neurological system, which can inhibit one’s control over his or her own body.
• Mental effects. Electrocution accidents can cause amnesia or change the personality of victims. These accidents can also lead to depression, impairment of cognitive functions, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you or a loved one has been electrocuted on the job, you are likely in the middle of a stressful medical situation. You may be facing large medical bills and unsure of how the workers’ compensation system works in your case. This is why you should hire a skilled San Jose workers’ comp lawyer who can help you at this difficult stage of your life. The workers’ compensation attorneys at Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. strive to get our clients the most comprehensive medical care as well as the best monetary compensation allowed for under the law.

You have rights in this situation, and our firm understands how to put those rights to work for you. Call our office today at 408-289-1417 or toll free at 866-433-6797.

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