Six percent of workplace fatalities are caused by contact with electricity. Electric shock can cause nerve damage. Both the peripheral and central nervous systems may suffer electric shock damage. A person may miss work and have long-term health complications.
Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys explains nerve damage from electric shock.
Understanding Nerve Damage from Electrical Injuries
Electrical shock occurs when electric current flows through body tissue and disrupts the electrical signals that the body uses to operate.
For example, electrical impulses keep the heart pumping. Impulses tell the muscles of the heart to relax and contract. You don’t have to think about this process, but it happens 24 hours a day.
Electric shock may disrupt not only the heart but also other important body systems, including breathing and muscle contractions. Shock may disrupt the nervous system, body tissues, organs, and skin. A person may have a serious injury even if there is no visible trauma. They may also have superficial burns.
In addition to harming autonomic nerves, which control bodily systems, electric shock may damage motor nerves and sensory nerves. A person may suffer from impaired movement and sensation and may experience pain.
Electric shock—a danger in the workplace
OSHA calls electricity a “serious workplace hazard.” Industries with the highest rates of electrical injury include:
- Utility workers
- Electricians, electrical installation and repair
- Construction, roofers, painters
- Manufacturing
- Transportation, truck drivers
- Building operation and maintenance
- Groundskeeping, tree trimming
- Mechanics
Electricity can be dangerous because of electric shock, electrocution, fire, and explosions.
Can electric shock cause nerve damage?
Electric shock can cause nerve damage by destroying tissue and by disrupting electrical signals. The heat from electricity may damage nerve tissue. Electricity can travel the length of the nerve, causing damage and impairing function.
Common Workplace Scenarios Leading to Electric Shock
The workplace can be hazardous whether a person encounters electricity directly or indirectly.
Dangers include:
- Power lines
- Poor ground-fault protection
- Electrical connection to ground missing or discontinuous
- Improper use of extension cords
- Equipment not used correctly
Only 30% of electrical accident fatalities take place in electrical occupations. Seventy percent of fatalities from electric shock occur in occupations that don’t directly work with electricity.
Immediate Steps To Take After an Electric Shock Injury
When an electric shock injury occurs, the first thing to do is mitigate the risk of more harm. The electrical source may still exist, so make sure that others are not in danger of encountering the source. Turn off the power, if you can. It may be possible to push the person away from the source with a non-conducting item. Exercise caution. Don’t touch the victim directly until you’re sure they’re no longer connected to the power source.
Call 911. Contact other emergency responders like in-house emergency personnel, if available.
Injuries may not be visible, so don’t wait to get help.
Electric shock can cause cardiac arrest. Check to see if the person is breathing. You may tap them and ask if they are ok. If they are not breathing, start CPR immediately. 911 operators can give you instructions while you wait for someone with more advanced training.
Follow instructions for first aid. This may include responding to signs of shock or visible burns.
Know that injuries may be more serious than they appear.
Symptoms of Nerve Damage Following Electric Shock
Paralysis is an extreme symptom of nerve damage following an electric shock. There are other signs, such as muscle weakness and twitching. A person may feel tingling or burning. Irregular heart rhythm and seizures may occur.
When a person is exposed to electricity, medical care should include evaluation for the possibility of nerve damage.
Treatment and Recovery Options for Nerve Damage
Treatment for nerve damage may include surgery where damaged tissue may be trimmed and reconnected. To be effective, surgery must be precise.
Sometimes, injured nerves can reconstruct on their own. However, healing is slow.
A person may benefit from physical therapy, medication, and orthotics. Electrical stimulation may help regenerate nerves. The most effective treatment plan will be tailored to the person’s symptoms. Prompt medical attention may help promote a positive outcome.
Legal Rights of Workers Suffering from Electric Shock Injuries
A worker who suffers from an electric shock injury has important rights. Workers’ compensation covers most injuries that occur in the workplace. You may receive medical care at no cost to you, replacement income, vocational rehabilitation, and disability pay.
Electric shock is usually an emergency. You may receive immediate medical attention from the nearest emergency room. Pre-authorization is not required for the emergency room. Later, you must use the healthcare provider that your employer chooses.
To receive compensation, you must follow the steps for a workers’ compensation claim. Report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. Don’t assume that they are aware of it.
In addition, you may have the right to file a third-party claim. Workers’ compensation is the remedy when it comes to the employer. However, if there is another company or party responsible, you may have a third-party claim. Because injury from electric shock is often serious, economic and non-economic damages may be significant. A lawyer can help you evaluate the possibility for each type of claim.
How Employers Can Reduce Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
Mitigating measures may involve equipment, personnel, or procedures. Ways to reduce dangers include:
- Turning off sources of electricity when working
- Using lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental contact
- Testing to ensure the power is off
- Using PPE and insulated tools
- Installing and insulating ground equipment
- Following instructions for equipment use
- Checking equipment and cords
- Placing safety warning signs to remind workers of dangers
- Hiring qualified employees, training and monitoring them
- Limiting the use of extension cords
- Evaluating incidents that occur and responding to prevent similar problems
- Unplugging equipment when not in use
Each workplace and job function should be individually assessed for exposure to electricity.
Contact an Experienced Gastonia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have nerve damage from electric shock at work, contact an experienced Gastonia workers’ compensation lawyer. You may deserve financial compensation. Horton & Mendez Injury Attorneys can help. Call or message us now.
