Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How electric shock injuries are valued
Electricity injures the body in several ways at once, which is why these claims can be complex and high-value:
- Burns — entry and exit wounds, plus deep tissue burns along the current’s path. Arc-flash incidents can cause severe thermal burns even without direct contact.
- Nerve and muscle damage — lasting numbness, weakness, chronic pain or contractures.
- Cardiac effects — arrhythmia or cardiac arrest at the time of the shock.
- Neurological and cognitive effects — memory, concentration and mood changes after a significant shock.
- Psychological injury — PTSD, anxiety and fear of electricity are common and compensable.
Because burns and scarring usually dominate the valuation, this calculator defaults to the burn-injury bracket; you can switch to head/psychological or nerve-related categories if those effects are the most serious in your case.
Workplace electrical injuries and OSHA
Many electric-shock claims arise at work — electricians, construction and utility workers, and machine operators. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets electrical-safety standards (such as lockout/tagout and arc-flash protection), and a documented OSHA violation can strongly support a claim. An injured employee typically receives workers’ compensation and, where a third party (a contractor, manufacturer of defective equipment, or property owner) was responsible, can also bring a personal-injury claim for full damages.
What raises an electric shock payout
- Burn depth and area — full-thickness burns needing grafts, and burns to the hands or face, are valued highly.
- Permanent scarring — visible, permanent scarring adds a distinct head of damages.
- Neurological/cardiac sequelae — lasting nerve damage or cardiac injury increases value sharply.
- Psychological harm — a diagnosed PTSD or anxiety disorder is compensable.
- Third-party liability — defective products or another contractor’s negligence enables a full-damages claim.
Electric shock injury claims — frequently asked questions
How much compensation can I get for an electric shock injury?
It depends on the burns and any lasting nerve, cardiac or psychological effects. A minor shock that heals settles modestly, while serious arc-flash or high-voltage injuries causing deep burns, scarring, neurological damage or amputation reach the highest brackets — six or seven figures for catastrophic cases.
Can I claim for an electric shock at work?
Yes. Injured employees generally receive workers’ compensation regardless of fault, and where a third party such as a contractor, property owner or equipment manufacturer was responsible, a separate personal-injury claim can recover full damages including pain and suffering. OSHA violations can strengthen the case.
Does an electric shock claim cover psychological harm?
Yes. PTSD, anxiety and a fear of electricity are common after a significant shock and, with a proper diagnosis, are compensable as part of the claim alongside the physical injuries.
How are electrical burns valued in the UK?
UK burn injuries are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines, based on the depth, area and site of the burns, resulting scarring and psychological impact, with the most severe burns attracting awards well into five or six figures plus special damages.
Is this electric shock calculator accurate?
It is a realistic guide using burn-injury brackets and your losses, not a guarantee. Electric-shock injuries vary enormously, so always confirm the value with a qualified attorney or solicitor.