The terms “electrocution vs electric shock” are often used interchangeably, yet the difference between an electrocution and an injury from an electrical shock is literally a matter of life and death.
While both injuries are very serious, they carry with them different legal and medical consequences.
An electrocution means that a person has died as a result of an electricity. Common causes of electrocution include:
• Accidental contact with exposed electrical sources, such as exposed wires.
• Accidental contact with a downed power line.
• Contact with a power line or electrical arc flash.
In contrast to electrocution, an electric shock injury involves electrical harm that does not result in death.
That does not mean that an electrical shock case is a minor event. Victims of electrical shock frequently suffer very severe, catastrophic and life-altering injuries. Common injuries resulting from electrical shock include:
• Amputation
• Severe burns
• Cardiac arrest and/or arrhythmia and/or heart muscle damage
• Brain and other nerve damage
• Memory loss
• Permanent heart damage
• Hearing loss
• Seizures
• Respiratory failure
• Spine injury
• Deformity at point of contact
• Cataracts
• Loss of kidney function
• Secondary injuries caused by post-shock falls
The following paper may be insightful, …
“Electrical Shocks for Legal and Insurance Professionals”
About the author:
Eur Ing Dr Robert Brown (Robert) is the Executive Director of Fraser George and Associates Limited and is a Consultant and Forensic Engineer in the fields Electrical Electronic and Control Engineering.
Robert is an accomplished professional Expert Witness having prepared and presented many court compliant reports and presented oral evidence within the High Court, Crown Courts and County Courts.
For further information please contact Robert via;
Email,…robert.brown@frasergeorge.com or robertbrown@robertbrown.uk.com
Tel Land: +44 (0)1777 709175
Tel Mobile: +44 (0) 7976250624
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Websites: www.frasergeorge.com and www.robertbrown.uk.com