Brain Injuries Caused by Electrical Shock in Head

Posted on May 12, 2021

An electric shock in head on the brain can cause a variety of neurological and neuropsychological damages that impact basic bodily functions and daily tasks.

First aid being administered to injured construction worker lying on the floor.

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The Impact of Electric Shock in Head

Injuries from electrical shock on the brain can cause damage to multiple systems of the body. While the majority of reported injuries are identified as neurological damages, neuropsychological damages can also occur. The severity of injuries in each category depends on the intensity and duration of electrical shock procedures and the extent of burns on brain tissues.

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Infographics about brain injuries caused by electric shock

Scientific and medical research shows that electrical shocks ranging from 120 to 52,000 volts can cause neurological and neuropsychological symptoms in humans. Most injuries seen by injury lawyers result in physical neurological problems that occur shortly after electrical shock. However, some electrical shock injuries can cause delayed problems that may not show up for months or even years after exposure. When delayed injuries eventually surface, they may not be immediately linked to electrical shock without a thorough investigation of medical records.

The degree of damage caused by electrical shock on the brain ranges from mild to severe. Research shows that the effects of electric shocks in head can cause a variety of problems that prevent victims from performing the most simple tasks necessary for life. Common injuries witnessed by injury lawyers include:

  • Muscular pain weakness
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Memory loss
  • Concentration problems
  • Impaired motor skills

Delayed injuries that are more severe include bleeding of the brain; cerebral infarction; peripheral nerve lesions; myopathy; epilepsy; convulsions; and spinal cord injuries. Movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS that show both immediate and delayed symptoms, as well as speech, articulation, and vision disorders, are often linked to brain injuries from electrical shock.

While it’s easy to understand the impact of severe damage to body tissues and organs following electrical shock on the brain, delayed psychiatric, cognitive, and neurological damage is more difficult to explain. In cases where damages are caused by negligence, an injury lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Proving a personal injury case will require a direct link between the injuries and electrical shock to the brain. In Illinois, cases must be filed in the state’s civil court system within two years from the date of the accident or within two years from the time the victim discovers or should have discovered the injury, whichever occurs last.

If the electric shock occurred at work, then the injured worker may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer can advise what steps you need to take after being injured at work.

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Mark A. DePaolo

Mark A. DePaolo is the founding partner of DePaolo & Zadeikis Attorneys at Law, a personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm based out of Chicago, Illinois. Mark is a past President of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, has been recognized as one of the best workers’ compensation lawyers in the field, and was selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer seven years in a row. His client focused approach and wealth of experience set Mr. DePaolo apart from many other attorneys who handle workers’ compensation law.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois

author-bio-image author-bio-image
Mark A. DePaolo

Mark A. DePaolo is the founding partner of DePaolo & Zadeikis Attorneys at Law, a personal injury and workers’ compensation law firm based out of Chicago, Illinois. Mark is a past President of the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Association, has been recognized as one of the best workers’ compensation lawyers in the field, and was selected as an Illinois Super Lawyer seven years in a row. His client focused approach and wealth of experience set Mr. DePaolo apart from many other attorneys who handle workers’ compensation law.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active

Bar & Court Admissions: Illinois State Bar Association U.S. District Court for Northern Illinois