Electrical injuries result in an estimated 1000 deaths per year and about 3000 admissions to specialized burn centers per year. Lightning injury causes 50-300 deaths per year in the United States, with the chances of being struck increased by wearing or carrying a metal object or simply being wet. Up to 40% of serious electrical injuries are fatal. Lightning has been the second largest storm killer in the U.S. for the last 40 years, exceeded only by floods. Only about 10% of people who are struck by lightning are killed, the other 90% are left with various degrees of disability

Electric shock and lightning injury can cause severe and disabling consequences even though (1) there are no burns or exit marks on the injured person; (2) the person was walking and talking at the scene of the trauma; (3) there were no immediate problems or complaints; (4) the person appeared functional in the days following the trauma; (5) there was no loss of consciousness; (6) there was no direct contact with the electrical source or direct lightning strike; and (7) the person was not hospitalized overnight.

Electrical and lightning injuries can cause problems with the cardiovascular system; the respiratory (breathing) system; the gastrointestinal system; blood pressure difficulties; diarrhea; cognitive problems; emotional and psychological problems; sleep disorders; sexual difficulties; autonomic nervous system dysfunction; and slowly deteriorating mental functioning.

Because the symptoms may be late developing and seemingly out of proportion to the injury, many cases with electrical and lightning injury are not properly evaluated by medical or legal professionals, resulting in undervalued, under-settled, and failed claims due to the misunderstanding of the injury and the lack of knowledge of the medical or legal professional.

If you or a loved one or friend has had suffered an electrical or lightning injury, we can help. Our personal injury litigators are experienced in electrical and lightning injury matters. We have taken the time to educate ourselves, and are curious enough, to become knowledgeable about the real and documented consequences of lightning and electrical injuries. For over 55 years we have helped people of central Kentucky with their legal problems, and we have successfully handled many cases of electrical or lightning injury. We will be happy to give you a free review of your case. Just fill out the Case Review Form or call us at 859.623.3877.