Shreveport Electrocution Attorney

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Electrical accidents are among the most devastating and complex personal injury cases. Whether caused by a defective product, unsafe workplace, or negligent property owner, electrocution injuries can leave victims with lasting physical, emotional, and financial hardships. At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, our skilled Shreveport electrocution attorneys have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims involving electrical shock and electrocution. We fight for the compensation you deserve when another party’s negligence leads to life-altering harm.

Don’t face your legal challenges alone—reach out to our Shreveport electrocution accident attorney at Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law. Call (318) 633-0186 or contact us to schedule a consultation today.

Electric Shock vs. Electrocution

While “electric shock” and “electrocution” are often used interchangeably, they have very different meanings under personal injury law.

Electric Shock

Electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical current. The severity of a shock can vary depending on the voltage, duration of contact, and current pathway through the body. Even a “minor” shock can result in muscle spasms, burns, or cardiac irregularities.

Electrocution

Electrocution refers specifically to death caused by electrical current. These tragic incidents often occur in industrial settings, on construction sites, or due to faulty consumer products or wiring. Electrocution is legally treated as a wrongful death, and surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, loss of income, emotional suffering, and more.

Understanding this distinction is critical when determining how to pursue a claim—whether for injury or wrongful death—after an electrical accident.

Common Causes of Electric Shock

Electric shock injuries can occur in a variety of environments—from homes and offices to construction sites and manufacturing facilities. Some of the most common causes include:

• Faulty Wiring: Poorly installed or aging wiring can expose live electrical currents, creating serious hazards in homes, offices, or public spaces.
• Defective Products: Household appliances, power tools, and electronic devices can cause severe shocks when designed or manufactured improperly.
• Construction Site Accidents: Construction workers face high risk when working near live wires, overhead power lines, or malfunctioning equipment. Employers are required by OSHA to implement strict safety standards—but when they fail to do so, catastrophic injuries can occur.
• Unsafe Work Practices: Lack of proper training, missing lockout/tagout procedures, and failure to de-energize machinery are frequent causes of workplace shocks and electrocutions.
• Downed Power Lines: Severe weather, vehicle collisions, or equipment failure can bring down power lines, creating deadly risks for anyone nearby.
• Water and Electricity: When electrical systems are exposed to water—such as during floods or storms—shock and electrocution risks increase dramatically.

If you or a loved one has suffered an electrical injury due to one of these hazards, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Common Injuries from Electrical Accidents

Electrical injuries can range from minor burns to fatal organ damage. Because electricity travels through the body, it can cause both visible and internal harm. Common injuries include:

• Severe Burns: Entry and exit wounds are often found where the current entered and left the body, causing deep tissue destruction.
• Cardiac Arrest: Even low-voltage currents can disrupt heart rhythms, potentially leading to cardiac arrest.
• Nerve Damage: Electrical current can permanently impair the nervous system, resulting in chronic pain, weakness, or paralysis.
• Organ Damage: Internal organs may be damaged by heat and electrical interference, especially in the brain, heart, and kidneys.
• Muscle and Tissue Damage: High-voltage shocks can cause muscle contractions so powerful they result in fractures or dislocations.
• Secondary Injuries: Victims may suffer falls or blunt trauma after being thrown by the shock.

Victims often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The financial and emotional impact can be overwhelming—but a skilled Shreveport electrocution attorney can help you seek the full compensation you need to recover.

Compensation in Electrocution Claims

Victims of electrical accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, therapy, medication)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, loss of support, loss of companionship)

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we work with medical experts, accident investigators, and electrical engineers to build strong, evidence-based cases. Our goal is to hold negligent parties—such as contractors, manufacturers, or property owners—fully accountable for their actions.

Electrocution Claim FAQs

Who can be held liable for an electrocution accident?

Liability depends on where and how the incident occurred. Possible defendants include property owners, employers, contractors, utility companies, or product manufacturers. A thorough investigation is necessary to determine fault.

Can I file a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury lawsuit?

If you were injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if a third party—such as an equipment manufacturer—contributed to the accident, you may also have grounds for a separate personal injury claim.

What should I do after an electrical injury?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to your employer or property owner, and document everything (photos, witness information, medical records). Contact an attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an electrocution claim in Louisiana?

Under Louisiana law, personal injury and wrongful death claims generally must be filed within one year of the accident. Because this deadline is short, it’s crucial to speak with a Shreveport electrocution lawyer promptly.

What if my loved one was killed by electrocution?

Surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for financial and emotional damages. These cases are complex, but our firm can help you seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable.

Why Choose Us: Compassionate and Client-Focused Representation

Choosing the right electrocution accident attorney in Shreveport can make a significant difference in the outcome of your legal journey. Our firm stands out because of our genuine commitment to the community and our clients. Our unique approach combines empathetic support with detailed legal knowledge, led by professionals who have personally navigated the legal challenges related to injuries.

Our clients choose us for our dedication to providing client-focused services, ensuring open and honest communication. The initial consultations we offer are designed to empower clients by outlining their options, making our services accessible and reassuring. With our team, you receive more than just legal representation; you gain a partner dedicated to securing your peace of mind and ensuring justice is served.

Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law is here for you. Connect with us using our online form or call (318) 633-0186 to set up an appointment without delay.