The holiday season is here, and many people will be putting up decorative lighting here in Florida. If you’re one of them, you need to know the risks associated with holiday electrical injuries.
In this post, we’re going to tell you which injuries are most common, how serious they are, and let you know what you can do to fight back if you are injured due to a defective product or another type of negligence.
Florida Electrical Injuries Can Be Serious
Electrical accidents from holiday lighting can cause serious injury or death. These are the most common types of injuries associated with electricity:
- Skin burns
- Nerve damage
- Heart damage
- Seizures
- Lack of concentration
- Memory loss
- Coordination problems
- Balance issues
As a result of these injuries, you could also experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the length of exposure to the electrical current, you may need emergency medical care. Your injuries could require medication, long-term treatment, or possibly surgery to correct.
If you notice any of these symptoms after an electrical shock, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention.
- Burn marks on skin
- Irregular heart beat
- Shortened breaths
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Bone fractures
Your medical report is the best proof a skilled attorney can use in a personal injury lawsuit. It’s essential to get medical treatment – no matter how minor your injury may seem – both to protect your health and to receive compensation if you should decide to seek it.
Common Reasons for Holiday Electrical Injuries in Florida
If you experience an electrical injury due to any of these common reasons, you could have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit.
Consider these reasons that are frequent causes of injury:
- Faulty extension cord
- Faulty wiring on holiday lights
- Blown fuses on electrical cords
- Connecting too many strings of lights together
- Power tool failure
- Ladder touching a power source
- Using products intended for indoor use outdoors
Some of these electrical accidents can be prevented, so it’s important to take safety precautions when decorating for the holidays.
Follow these steps to reduce the risk of electrical injuries.
- Inspect all extension cords, strings of lights, and light fixtures before using them. If you notice any frayed cords, burnt out bulbs, or blown fuses, replace the products before using them.
- Follow the manufacturer’s restrictions on how many light strings can be hooked together.
- Use a surge protector to prevent overloaded circuits.
- If you are using power tools to put up holiday décor, inspect the tools before using them. Make sure you have some experience with the tool before taking on an involved project.
- Take care to place your ladder away from power sources. This is a key reason for serious electrical injuries that is largely preventable.
- Do not use electrical products near water sources. You greatly increase your risk of injury when water is present.
- For outdoor decorations, make sure to use products that are intended for outdoor use. Secure all connections with electrical tape to make them weather- and water-resistant.
Of course, not all electrical accidents can be avoided, and not all of them are your fault. If another is responsible for your injury, you need an aggressive advocate who will stand up for your rights.
A knowledgeable attorney can help you determine who may be at fault for your electrical injury and fight for compensation to help you cover the cost of medical bills, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering.
About the Author:
A partner at Ben Murphey tries complex disputes that include civdentil appeals, maritime and admiralty claims, wrongful death, and labor disputes. Mr. Murphey has been recognized for his excellence in the area of personal injury litigation by being rewarded with a 10/10 Avvo Rating and named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for the last four consecutive years (2011-2014). Mr. Murphey regularly tries cases in state and federal courts around the country, being admitted to practice before all Florida courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit.