Practicing in Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia, Joseph R. (Joe) Neal Jr. is the owner of Neal Law. In his role as an attorney, Joseph R. Neal Jr. represents clients with serious injuries, including those caused by electrical burns.
About 1,000 persons die each year from these burns. Unlike other burns, electrical burns inflict most of their damage beneath the skin - many victims are not at first aware of the injury. In the worst cases, electrical burns can harm internal organs, such as the heart and the brain.
Electrical burns often occur when a person touches a poorly wired appliance or handle a frayed electrical cord. People can also be injured by arcing, the transfer of electricity from a high-voltage line to the body. Sticking a metal object into an outlet or a toaster, failure to disconnect malfunctioning appliances and machines, and explosions caused by electrical sparks are also dangerous. In the latter type of event, clothes may catch fire.
Being an agricultural or utility worker increases the chances of electrical burns, as can staying outside when thunderstorms are occurring. In the event that a person has experienced a severe electrical shock, the power should be cut if possible and a bystander should call 9-1-1.
