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Electric, Thermal & Chemical Burns
Electric accidents and electric shock accidents often result in significant burns to the body, especially at the point of entry such as an arm, leg or torso. In addition, there will be an entrance and exit wound. The injuries generally occur as a result of alternating currents.
Cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, respiratory arrest, and loss of consciousness can result. The severity of the injury depends on the voltage, current and length of contact. Electric shock injuries are especially dangerous because muscle spasms caused by the electrical current can cause the body to seize, increasing the length of exposure to the wire, etc.
In addition to electrical shock, thermal burn injuries can be quite significant. These kinds of burns result when there is contact with a flame. These types of injuries are the most common causes of burns. The longer the contact with the flame, the more severe the burn.
In addition, chemical burns can result in significant injuries. In the case of a chemical burn, the damage will continue until the chemical is deactivated. In emergency situations, water is usually the only way to begin deactivating a chemical. The nature and extent of the chemical burn injury will depend on the strength of the chemical and the length of contact with the skin.
Treatment of Burns
Whether caused by an electrical, thermal or chemical accident, burns are incredibly painful. Damage to layers of skin can be severe. The dermis, epidermis, and hypodermis can be injured. Depending on the severity of the burn, nerve endings may be damaged and exposed. In severe cases, muscle tissue and even bone can be affected.
Treatment of such injuries and burns can range from debridement and multiple skin grafts to amputation in the most severe cases. Burn treatment usually focuses on management of fluids, ventilation, and infection control. Surgery is often necessary to relieve pressure or edema. Skin grafts may be obtained from the individual or allografts (donor tissue from cadavers or other individuals) may be used. Infection, excessive scarring, skin changes, and contractures may result. Extensive treatment including physical therapy is often needed, even into the future.
Damage Claims in Burn Lawsuits
In an electrical accident lawsuit, proving the extent of the damages requires having knowledge of the extent and nature of burn treatment. Even after the burns are healed, the individual may suffer long term physical, psychological and emotional effects, especially when scarring results. Future medical costs are often high, especially in cases of severe burns. Therefore, claims for future medical treatment and future pain and suffering should be considered.
Related Workplace Electric Accident Legal Articles:
- Electrical Accidents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey – Common OSHA Violations Resulting in Injury
- Working Near Overhead Lines is a Common Cause of Electric Shock Accidents
- PA NJ Electrical Accident Legal Article: What to Expect in an Electrical Accident Lawsuit
Legal Help After a Work Related Electric Accident – Contact Our PA & NJ Work Accident Lawyers
Electric shock accidents often result in significant injuries. If the worker survives the electric shock, extensive medical treatment including reconstructive surgery and physical therapy is often required. Our work accident lawyers have experience and success in handling electric shock accidents and offer a FREE consultation.
To submit your case for review by our Pennsylvania and New Jersey electrical accident and injury lawyers, call Click To Call. Our lawyers are available for a free, no obligation legal consultation, and can obtain special admission in other states, such as New York or Delaware, on a case by case basis.
Our work place electric accident attorneys serve workers injured in the following areas: Allegheny County, PA; Berks County, PA; Bucks County, PA; Chester County, PA; Delaware County, PA; Lehigh County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Northampton County, PA: Philadelphia County, PA; Atlantic County, NJ; Burlington County, NJ; Camden County, NJ; Cumberland County, NJ; Gloucester County, NJ; Salem County, NJ; New Castle County, DE; he County, DE; Atlantic City, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Newark, NJ; Doylestown, PA; Media, PA; West Chester, PA; Norristown, PA; Camden, NJ; Wilmington, DE; Newark, DE; Georgetown, DE; and New Castle, DE. Our lawyers can obtain special admission in other states on a case by case basis.
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