How Can I Avoid Electric Shock? Electric currents can cause severe injuries (such as muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction, cardiac arrest, and burns), so you should be particularly careful to avoid situations which may lead to electric shock, including: - Accidental contact with exposed parts of appliances or wiring;
- Poking metal objects into an electrical outlet; and
- Work-related exposures.
Nevertheless, in some cases, shock injuries do not result from your actions or inactions, but from defective products.
What Went Wrong With The Product? Your injury could have resulted from various construction problems with the product. To win your case, one element you must establish is that the product that shocked you was problematic before you received it. More specifically, you will need to demonstrate that the item was substandard when it left the manufacturer’s or seller’s control, which can be done by showing a: - Manufacturing defect, which arises when a product was poorly made (as opposed to problems relating to bad planning or labeling);
- Design defect, which results from a product’s faulty blueprint (as opposed to bad labeling or craftsmanship); or
- Failure to warn, which occurs when a manufacturer fails in its duty to adequately warn you about the non-apparent risks associated with product use.
Who Is Responsible? Your shock injury may be attributed to the work of any number of people in the distribution chain. Therefore, the following entities can be held responsible: - Manufacturers;
- Distributors;
- Wholesalers; and
- Retailers.
To What Extent Is The Manufacturer, Distributor, or Seller Responsible?Depending on the laws regulating product liability in the state where you were injured, you may be able to sue on one of the following grounds: How Can I Lose My Product Defect Lawsuit? Even if you have been shocked by a bad product, you may not be able to recover. A judge evaluating your case will consider many aspects of the injury, including the defense's claims. For example, she will want to know whether you: - Knew that a shock injury was a possible danger associated with product use;
- Assumed the risk of a shock injury based upon your use of the product;
- Used the product in an unreasonable manner;
Do I Need A Personal Injury Lawyer? A local lawyer familiar with state laws relating to product liability is in the best position to inform you of your rights and responsibilities. A personal injury attorney will also be able to represent you in court, if necessary. |
