Electric Shock Accident Compensation Claims

Electrical Accidents at Work

Electricity is an essential part of many workplaces, but when electrical equipment, wiring or working practices are unsafe, the consequences can be serious.

These accidents may be caused by poorly maintained equipment, faulty or exposed wiring, inadequate training, unsafe working procedures, contact with overhead power lines or underground cables, or working where electricity and water are present.

The effects are not always immediately obvious. Injuries can include burns, nerve damage, cardiac problems and other complications that may only become apparent after the incident. For this reason, it is important to seek appropriate medical attention following an incident of this kind, even if your symptoms initially appear minor.

The most common electrical injury claims we deal with include:

Electric Shock Claims

Contact with a live electrical current can cause injuries ranging from tingling and muscle spasms to burns, nerve damage, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

The severity of the injury can depend on factors including the voltage involved, how long the person was exposed and the route the current took through the body. Some injuries may not be immediately visible, which is why medical assessment can be important after an accident.

If your accident was caused by unsafe equipment, inadequate maintenance, poor training or another failure to protect you at work, you may be able to make an Electric Shock Compensation Claim.

Electrical Burn Claims

Electrical burns can damage the skin and deeper tissues and, in more serious cases, may require surgery or skin graft treatment.

Where a current passes through the body, internal injuries can sometimes be more serious than the visible burns suggest. Electrical burns may also result in permanent scarring and psychological effects, particularly where the injuries are severe.

Our solicitors can investigate how the accident happened and whether failures in workplace safety contributed to your injuries.

Electrical Fire Injury Claims

These are particularly dangerous as they are often made worse by using water to try and extinguish them and can cause a subsequent electric shock. Most electrical accidents at work are the result of poorly maintained equipment, faulty or exposed wiring, contact with overhead power lines, or inadequate training.

We have helped thousands of clients to successfully win their claims following accidents at work, so if you have been injured while carrying out your job and it wasn’t your fault then you need to speak to qualified solicitors as soon as possible.​​

The Duty of Care in the Workplace

In the UK, all employers are bound by law to ensure the safety and welfare of their employees while at work. This responsibility, also known as the "duty of care," is not just a moral obligation but a legal one that employers owe to their employees. It requires employers to take reasonable steps to protect workers from harm, which includes protecting workers fromelectrical hazards.

If your employer has failed in these duties, and you have been hurt as a result, then you are able to pursue a compensation claim to cover your medical treatments, loss of earnings and additional expenses resulting from your accident. These may fall under either general damages or special damages.

In this context, the employer's duty of care encompasses a variety of responsibilities. These may include:

• Ensuring that all electrical equipment, systems, and installations are safe to use and properly maintained.
• Implementing safe working practices and making sure they are adhered to.
• Providing adequate training and information about the risks associated with electrical equipment and how to work safely.
• Supplying protective equipment where necessary and ensuring that it is properly used.
• Adherence to these practices should minimise the risk of workers being injury in the workplace. However, when these standards are not met, and a worker suffers an electric shock as a result, the employer could be held liable for breaching their duty of care.

Many of our clients are understandably concerned about pursuing action against their employer and worry how this might impact on their job in the future. It is illegal for your employer to harass you or make life uncomfortable for you at work as a result of your claim and you are fully protected in this regard.

Most employers are legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. In a workplace injury claim, we will usually deal with the employer’s insurer on your behalf, rather than requiring you to negotiate directly with your employer.

We understand that people can be concerned about making a claim against the company they work for. Your solicitor will explain the process clearly and answer any concerns you have about how pursuing a workplace accident claim may affect you.

How will the value of my electric shock claim be assessed?

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, so far as is reasonably practicable.

Electrical safety at work is also specifically governed by the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. These regulations require precautions to be taken against the risk of injury from electrical systems and equipment.

In practical terms, electrical equipment and installations should be suitable for their intended use and maintained so that they do not present a danger. Electrical work should also be properly planned and carried out by people with the appropriate level of competence for the work involved.

Depending on the circumstances of an accident, we may therefore investigate whether your employer:

properly assessed the electrical risks involved;

• properly assessed the electrical risks involved;
• maintained electrical equipment and installations;
• acted on known faults or damaged equipment;
• provided suitable training and supervision;
• used appropriate isolation and safe working procedures; and
• ensured those carrying out electrical work were competent to do so.

We will gather the evidence required to understand the full effect of your injury and any resulting financial consequences. Your solicitor will then explain how your claim has been assessed and deal with negotiations on your behalf.

How will the value of my electric shock claim be assessed?

The compensation awarded in an electric shock accident claim depends on various factors. It's crucial to understand that each claim is unique and is treated on an individual basis, which means the compensation received can vary from case to case.

However, there are certain general factors that will influence the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

Severity of Injuries: The more severe and long-lasting your injuries are, the higher your compensation is likely to be. This includes not only physical injuries but also any psychological harm you may have suffered as a result of the accident.

Loss of Earnings: If your injuries have resulted in time off work, either for recovery or ongoing medical treatment, your compensation could include a sum to reflect this loss of income. This also includes any future loss of earnings if you're unable to return to work or have to take a lower-paid job.

Medical Expenses: Any costs you've incurred as a result of your injuries can be included in your claim. This includes the cost of treatment, medication, therapy, and any necessary adaptations to your home.

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for pain and suffering is designed to reflect the physical pain and psychological distress you've experienced as a result of your accident.

Future Care Costs: If your injuries require long-term or lifelong care or support, this will be factored into your compensation.

Impact on Lifestyle: If your injuries have had a significant impact on your quality of life or have prevented you from participating in activities you used to enjoy, this can also be taken into account.

By meticulously documenting all of these factors, your legal team can build a robust claim that accurately reflects the true impact of your accident, ensuring that you receive the maximum compensation that you are entitled to.

About Electric Shock Compensation Claims

If your accident has taken place in the last three years and was caused fully or partially by someone else, then you could be entitled to compensation. Your final settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your work-life and whether you are expected to make a full recovery.

Your compensation award is a justified financial redress for what has happened and is designed to protect you from any financial hardship resulting from your injury and to pay for the best medical care.

More specifically it will cover:

• Private healthcare
• Rehabilitation
• Counselling
• Specialist equipment
• Loss of earnings
• Additional expenses

We are acutely aware of just how essential your electric shock injury compensation will be to your financial security and recovery and will work tirelessly on your behalf to achieve the best possible results and get your life back on track.