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Fatal Electrical Accidents Caused by Consumer Products

October 16, 2015 Scura Law Firm Product Liability, News

man using power toolElectricity is used to power an endless list of things, and because of that, residents in New Jersey and elsewhere will often encounter electrically powered consumer products. While these products are designed with the safety of consumers in mind, malfunctions and defects can occur. This could lead to the electrocution of consumers, resulting in severe and even fatal injuries.

According to the most current report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or CPSC, roughly 70 fatal, unintentional, non-work-related electrocution incidents associated with consumer products during the three-year span from 2007 through 2009 occurred. During that time period and estimated 210 consumer product electrocutions occurred.

Results of the study indicated that males were seven times more likely to be electrocuted by a consumer product than females. Additionally, individuals in the 40 to 59-year-old range were more likely to be electrocuted by a consumer product than those 19-years-old or younger.

The study found three major culprits for these types of fatalities. In the time frame of the study, small appliances caused 22 electrocutions, large appliances caused 19 and power tools caused 10 electrocutions. Lastly, the study found that a large percentage of electrocutions occurred when an individual was doing repair work at a residential location.

Following a fatal electrical accident, it is important for the surviving family members to understand the options afforded to them. An investigation could reveal the cause of the accident. If negligence caused the defect in the consumer product that led to the electrocution, liability could be placed on the manufacturer. A wrongful death suit could help loved ones recover compensation, helping them cover costs associated with the fatal incident.

Source: CPSC.gov, "Electrocutions Associated with Consumer Products: 2009," accessed Oct. 12, 2015

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