Electrocution and electrical injuries resulting from the use and/or contact with electrical products are a widespread problem. The precise nature of the product defect may come in a number of different forms.
Types of Electrical Product Defects
Some product defects that may lead to electrical injuries are:
- Electrical products designed to be used around water. Water and electricity are widely known to be an incompatible combination. Products that are designed for use with or around water must have safety features that minimize the risk of electrocution. Whether the product be a power washer to be used on a deck, an exterior house cleaner or a sump pump, it must be designed with the recognition that the product itself is being used around water and must be made in such a fashion as to minimize the risk of electrocution.
- Grounding problems. Electricity will always either seek ground or will follow the most conductive path back to its source. What grounding does is to add protection against electrical shock by providing a mechanism for the electricity to move from the defective product to the earth rather than through the human body. The product at issue may be a tool, a vending machine or other machine or device. If it is improperly grounded, then it becomes a significant hazard.
- Circuitry defects. The product may be an electric blanket or it may be a circuit control panel.
- Insulation defects. Every electrical product needs to be properly insulated so that the exterior elements of the product cannot become electrically charged.
Many people assume that electrocution results in immediate death. The fact is that the human skull is a poor conductor of electricity and therefore only a small fraction of the electricity passes into the brain. Most of the current passes through the body causing painful muscle contractions, burning and swelling of organs. It may require expert medical testimony to develop the scope of this pain and suffering of the deceased or injured person.
Contact a Product Liability Attorney
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of an electrical injury, contact Brien Roche, an experienced product defect lawyer serving Fairfax, Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.
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