Working with and around electricity is a dangerous job, and those who have occupations that require it must have extensive training and practice to do so safely. When there is an accident or any type of mishap when working with electricity, workers can suffer serious or fatal injuries. Electrical energy is a potential hazard that all Washington employers should take seriously, providing workers with the training and equipment necessary to do their jobs as safely as possible.
If you suffered an injury at your place of work, you may be unsure of what to do next. An electrical injury can affect your ability to live and work as you did before, and you may experience financial loss and other complications as you try to move forward after the accident. Different types of electrical injuries affect people in different ways, and you may find it helpful to learn as much as you can about the specific options available to you.
Types of electricity-related injuries
There are several different types of electricity-related injuries, and they can range from minor shock to life-threating damage. Some of the injuries workers may experience when working with electrical currents include the following:
- Burns – These are the most common type of electrical injury. Flash burns, contact burns and other types of burns can happen when someone comes into contact with electricity. It can do damage to extremities, tissue, nerves, eyes and other parts of the body.
- Eye injuries – Eye injuries can happen in flash burns, even when wearing safety glasses. The ultraviolet light during flash burns can cause damage to the retina and cornea that may be permanent.
- Electric shock – This can happen when an electric current passes through the body. It can cause internal bleeding, unconsciousness, nerve and tissue damage, cardiac arrest, and more.
These examples of electrical injuries underline the danger that comes with certain types of occupations. Injured workers may have the option to pursue damages and compensation from different sources as they seek to recover from their injuries.
What should you do next?
After suffering an electricity-related injury, you may be unsure of what to do next or who is responsible for what happened to you. It may be helpful to start by seeking an understanding of the possible long-term implications of your injuries and what options for legal recourse are available to you.