Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys has grown into one of the largest personal injury firms in the country with over 35 attorneys located in 20 law offices across California, Nevada, Tennessee, New Mexico, Illinois, Oregon, Washington, Indiana, and Arizona. Our Chicago personal injury law firm represents those who have been injured in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents and bicycle accidents, as well as mass tort dangerous drug and product liability claims and much more. The most valuable non-legal service we provide is to carry the emotional burden of our clients so that they can focus on recovery. We believe that victims deserve justice too. At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, you will get the justice you deserve. We stand ready, willing, and able to help you in your time of need. Are you looking for a personal injury attorney in Chicago, Illinois area? Our Chicago accident attorneys are here 24/7 available to help you when you need help the most. Make one call to learn how our experienced Chicago injury attorneys and support staff can help you get the most compensation possible for your injuries. The call is free and you pay nothing until we win your case.

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD)

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) happens when freshwater swimmers are exposed to minute amounts of alternating current that have leaked into the water from improper wiring or electrical connections on docks, boats, lighting fixtures, and outlets.

The escaped electrical currents then pass through the water along a return path in an effort to discharge and ground the excessive electricity. Swimmers, unfortunately, become the conduit and can end up experiencing symptoms ranging from minor tingling to discolored skin to full-on skeletal muscular paralysis.

Depending on the level of exposure, a person may drown while immersed in the water due to the incapacitating effects of an electrical current flowing through their body.

Regrettably, most instances of ESD are the result of a preventable accident. If a loved one was swimming and became a victim of ESD, contact our premises liability lawyers for a free consultation.

Our team is knowledgeable in drowning and electric shock cases and will be able to identify if negligence played a role. Should negligence be found, we will then seek compensation to cover medical and/or funeral expenses, and other losses.

DETERMINING NEGLIGENCE

Drowning accidents are rarely thought to be the result of electrical shock (a.k.a. a silent, swift killer), but the result of another’s failure to properly maintain and/or use the equipment. For instance, a recent ESD accident happened at Scorpion Bay at Lake Pleasant, Arizona that was originally thought to be a standard drowning accident.

However, after the fire crew arrived on the scene they discovered an electric current in the water. The emergency crew then had to first secure the dock before entering the lake to assist the victims. One person died, two suffered severe injuries, and two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Owners of boats, marinas, docks, and pools all have a responsibility to regularly check, maintain, and properly use devices and equipment to prevent fatalities caused by low-level AC electricity-related incidents. 

Outside of boat, marina, and dock owners, other entities are also accountable for properly maintaining and fixing any faulty or damaged hydroelectric generators and underwater power lines around bodies of water to help prevent an Electric Shock Drowning. 

The following codes and standards apply to boats and marinas and their related electrical safety issues: 

• NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft–applies to the fire and life safety requirements for boats.

• NFPA 303, Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards–applies to the facilities that house and service motor craft.

• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code–covers new electrical installations in boats and marinas.

If accident investigators determine the cause of an ESD incident to be the result of negligence, a drowning victim’s surviving family may be entitled to financial recourse. 

At Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our wrongful death attorneys know that no amount of money can fill the void of a lost loved one. What it can do is help ease some of the unplanned financial burdens so that you can focus on coping with your loss.      

SIGNS OF ESD 

Swimmers that experience any of the following signs of ESD should immediately try to exit the water if possible. Once out of the water, the shocked swimmer needs to stay upright and seek immediate medical attention. 

Any individuals not harmed need to let other people in the area know of the danger to help prevent an ESD death or near misses. They also need to provide enough information to help others understand the danger so that they can appropriately respond. 

In addition to the three previously mentioned signs (tingling, discolored skin, and muscle paralysis), the following additional signs can help you recognize exposure to an electric shock in the water:

• Muscle cramps

• Numbness

• Pain

HOW TO HELP A VICTIM OF ESD

According to Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), take the following steps if you see an electric shock drowning taking place:

• Do NOT jump into the water

• Call 911 or VHF Channel 16 immediately

• If possible, turn off all nearby power sources

• Use extreme caution when trying to remove a victim from the water by using an insulated lifesaving device or rope. Do not use anything made from metal 

• Begin CPR or use an (AED) Artificial Electronic Defibrillator if the victim does not have a pulse and is not breathing 

Were You or a Loved One Electrocuted While Swimming? Get A Free Case Evaluation Today! 

If you, or a loved one, has been in an ESD or water-related incident due to the negligence of another, contact a premise liability attorney from Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys by calling (844) 977-1900.

Contact us

Name Of Law Firm: Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys

Address: 114 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616, USA

Phone:    (708) 222-2222

Website    https://lernerandrowe.com/

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