Electrocution burns result in approximately 3000 admissions to burn centers every year, while injuries due to electrocution result in death in about 1000 patients yearly. Approximately 20% of electrical injuries occur in children. In adults, most electrical injuries occur in the workplace, with men being affected more often than women by a ratio of 9:1. Electrical injuries are a leading cause of work-related deaths.

Electrocution burns are a common outcome of electrical injuries. Electrocution burns occur when electrical energy is converted into thermal energy, causing tissue injury and death. Many different factors determine the extent of injury, including the length of contact, how much energy is involved, the type of current, the pathway of the current and resistance encountered. Tissue damage and extent of electrocution burns are directly related to how much current the victim is exposed to. High-voltage injuries are those that occur at >1000 volts, while low-voltage injuries fall below 1000 volts. Generally, high-voltage injuries cause more tissue damage than do low-voltage injuries.

Electrocution burns often appear to be superficial at first glance; however, looks can be deceiving, and the damage is often far worse below the skin. This is due to the fact that energy travels the path of least resistance, and nerve and muscle tissue provides less resistance than does skin. Electrocution burns also have a source point (often the head and hands) and a ground point (often the feet). There may be internal damage along the pathway between the source and ground points.

Electrocution burns can be classified according to burn depth:

• First-degree burns- the skin is red, painful, and swollen. When the skin is touched, it will turn white (blanch) and there is no blister formation. Although painful, these burns heal without scarring.
• Second-degree burns- the skin is pink or red, painful and swollen. There is blister formation. These burns take longer to heal than do first-degree burns, and they may leave permanent scars.
• Third-degree burns- these burns are severe, but are generally not painful. This is because the nerves that carry pain signals have been destroyed. Skin may be charred, leathery, red or white. These burns always leave scarring behind.

It is important to note that electrocution burns can worsen over time, and need to be reassessed frequently. Patients with third-degree electrocution burns or extensive second-degree electrocution burns should be cared for in a specialized burn center. Complications are common in severe electrocution burns and may include dehydration, shock, electrolyte imbalance, kidney damage due to muscle tissue destruction, infection and limb loss.

Recovering from electrocution burns may require lengthy hospitalization and rehabilitation. Physical and occupational therapy are often needed to help the survivor regain lost function. In cases of severe electrocution burns, full recovery may take months and the survivor may never be able to resume all of the activities they enjoyed before the electrocution burn occurred. Such devastating injuries take an immense physical and emotional toll, and may leave the survivor and their family to face an immense burden of debt. For this reason, anyone who suffers a severe electrocution burn should seek legal advice, particularly if the injury occurred in the workplace. A legal advisor will be able to offer counsel regarding legal options to protect the rights of the injured person and their family.

If you or a loved one has suffered a severe electrocution injury and you would like to explore your legal rights, please contact us.