Great Falls Electrocution Accident Lawyer

Suffered an Electrical Injury Caused by Negligence?

Electrocution accidents are different from other injuries. A single contact with electricity can cause deep burns, heart problems, or brain and nerve damage that may not be obvious right away. If you or a family member suffered a serious electrical injury in Great Falls, you may be unsure what to do next.

At Hoyt & Blewett PLLC, we represent Montanans whose lives have been turned upside down by catastrophic accidents, including complex electrocution cases. We are a third-generation personal injury law firm rooted in Montana, and our attorneys have obtained many of the top injury verdicts in state history. Insurers and corporate defendants know that we are fully prepared to take a case to trial when that is what justice requires.

Contact our firm today at (406) 233-1302 to request a free case evaluation.

Electric Shock vs. Electrocution

In common conversation, people often use the terms "shock" and "electrocution" interchangeably. However, from a legal and medical standpoint, there is a critical distinction that impacts how a case is handled.

• Electric Shock: This occurs when an electrical current passes through the body. The effects can range from a mild tingle to severe internal burns and cardiac distress. While a shock can be non-fatal, the long-term neurological and physical damage can still be catastrophic.
• Electrocution: Strictly defined, electrocution refers to a fatal electrical injury. When we handle an electrocution claim, we are typically pursuing a wrongful death action on behalf of the survivors.

Common Causes of Electric Shock

Electrical accidents rarely happen without some form of human error or mechanical failure. In Great Falls, we see these incidents occur in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Common causes include:

• Defective Consumer Products: Faulty appliances, power tools, or electronics with poor insulation or internal shorts can deliver a lethal charge to the user.
• Workplace Negligence: Construction sites and industrial facilities are high-risk zones. Failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures or providing inadequate safety gear often leads to disaster.
• Downed Power Lines: High winds or vehicular accidents can bring lines down. If a utility company fails to maintain their infrastructure or respond quickly to a downed line, they may be liable.
• Negligent Property Maintenance: Exposed wiring, "daisy-chained" surge protectors in rental units, or improperly grounded outlets are common culprits in premises liability cases.
• Unmarked Underground Lines: Failure to properly mark utility lines before a digging project can lead to accidental contact with high-voltage cables.

Common Injuries Resulting from Electrical Accidents

The damage caused by electricity is unique because it affects the body both externally and internally. The path the current takes determines the severity of the injury.

Thermal and Electrical Burns

Electricity generates intense heat. Victims often suffer from "entry" and "exit" wounds—deep tissue burns where the current entered the body and where it left to find the ground.

Cardiac Arrest and Arrhythmia

The human heart operates on its own delicate electrical impulses. A sudden external surge can disrupt this rhythm, causing the heart to stop (cardiac arrest) or beat uncontrollably (fibrillation).

Neurological Damage

The nervous system is essentially a network of biological wires. An electrical strike can "fry" these pathways, leading to chronic pain, numbness, memory loss, or seizure disorders.

Secondary Traumatic Injuries

When a person is shocked, the sudden muscle contraction or the "blast" effect can throw them across a room or off a ladder. This results in secondary injuries like traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and broken bones.

Electrocution Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a claim in Montana?

In Montana, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if you are filing a wrongful death claim for an electrocution, the timeline may vary. It is best to consult with a Great Falls electrocution attorney as soon as possible to ensure evidence is preserved.

Who can be held liable for an electrical injury?

Liability depends on the location and cause. Potential defendants include:

• Property owners (premises liability)
• Product manufacturers (product liability)
• Electric utility companies
• General contractors on worksites

What damages can I recover?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses (including specialized burn care)
• Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses (in wrongful death cases)
• Permanent disability or disfigurement