An electrical injury can do far more damage than it looks like on the surface. A burn can mask harm running much deeper, into muscle, nerves, or the heart’s rhythm, and that harm can compound over the weeks that follow as nerve pain, cardiac symptoms, or infection set in. If you were shocked or burned on the job, at a rental property, or by a defective product, follow-up care with a physician who understands electrical trauma specifically matters as much as the initial ER visit.
Common causes include faulty wiring in a home or apartment, downed power lines, defective tools or appliances, and workplace exposure to high-voltage equipment. Liability depends on the cause: a landlord who ignored a wiring hazard, a contractor who left a line exposed, a manufacturer whose product malfunctioned, or an employer who skipped safety protocols. If you were shocked while doing your job, Kansas requires notifying your employer within 30 calendar days (K.S.A. 44-520), and you generally have three years from the injury, or two years from your last compensation payment, to file a formal workers’ compensation claim (K.S.A. 44-534(b)). If a third party outside your employment caused the shock, a separate personal injury claim may also apply.
See a doctor immediately, even if the burn seems minor, and keep the equipment or device involved if it’s safe to do so, since it may be central evidence. Talk with an attorney before accepting a settlement offer, since early offers rarely account for long-term nerve or cardiac effects.
Call (913) 677-1999 for a free consultation with Peter A. Jouras Jr., who has handled complex injury claims across Kansas and Missouri for more than 30 years. There’s no fee unless we recover for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electrical injury a workers’ comp case or a personal injury case?
It can be either, or both, depending on whether your employer or a third party was responsible for the hazard.
What symptoms show up later after an electrical shock?
Nerve pain, memory issues, and cardiac arrhythmia can surface days or weeks after the initial injury, which is why ongoing medical follow-up matters.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years in Kansas (K.S.A. 60-513), five years in Missouri (RSMo § 516.120) for a personal injury claim; workers’ comp deadlines differ (see above).
What evidence is most important in an electrical injury claim?
Preserving the electrical equipment or device involved, documenting the incident scene, and obtaining detailed medical records detailing nerve or tissue damage are critical.
Can a landlord or property manager be held liable for an electrical shock?
Yes, if the landlord or property owner knew or reasonably should have known about faulty wiring or unsafe conditions and failed to repair them.
For your free consultation, call (913) 677-1999
