Signs of Electrocution in Water

By Grant Law Office on January 10, 2023

Electricity in water poses a deadly and severe danger to everyone who comes in contact with that electric-charged water body. While some instances of electrocution are accidental, other instances of electrocution occur when poorly maintained or faulty equipment releases an electrical current into the water, entering people’s bodies. This can cause drowning by paralyzing the muscles of the body. Read on to learn more about electrocution in water and some of its signs.

What Is Electrocution in Water?

Electrocution in water can occur when faulty wiring in a pool or other body of water releases an electric current into the water. When people come in contact with the electrified water, their muscles could be paralyzed, which would render them unable to swim and can tragically lead to drowning. Cases of water electrocution have been on the rise in Atlanta. Therefore, you should be aware of the causes of electrocution in water to reduce the chances of you or your loved one being a victim.

Causes of Electrocution in Water

There are many causes of electrocution in water. Some of them include the following:

• Poorly maintained or faulty electric wiring on boat launches, docks, or boats triggers the release of an electric current into the water. This electrifies the water, damaging anything that comes in contact with it.
• Faulty or poorly maintained wiring to swimming pool equipment, such as pumps, lights, extension cords, vacuums, filters, switches, and power cords.
• Lack of GFCI protection for circuits, lighting, fixtures, switches, and other electronic appliances. This increases the risk of electrified water.
• Ageing electrical wiring and appliances that haven’t been inspected for many years.
• Electrical wires that were chewed on by animals, such as rodents, and later became exposed to water from something like a garage flood.
• Failing to pull electronic appliances, such as extension cords out of water. The same also happens when electrical devices like TVs or radios fall into the water.

Common Signs of Electrocution in Water

Some of the signs that you or your loved one is suffering or at risk of experiencing electrocution in water include:

• Exhibiting panicked or unsettled behavior due to getting in contact with electrified water.
• You may feel muscle cramps, experience a tingling sensation, and be unable to move in the pool — feeling like something is holding you in one place.
• Underwater lights might be flickering or not working correctly. They might also be working intermittently.
• A person being unable to move when standing in water, even if you cannot see a specific cause.

Determining Liability in Electrocution Cases

Not all electrocution incidences are someone’s fault, but when they are, they need to be held accountable for their actions. To establish a case for compensation following an electrocution, you must prove that the carelessness or negligence of another person caused the accident. If you were electrocuted in a hotel swimming pool with faulty wiring, you could hold the hotel responsible for your injuries. Remember that sufficient evidence is mandatory when determining liability in these cases.

Let Our Experienced Electrocution Attorneys Help

If you or your loved one has sustained injuries in an electrocution in a water accident, you can call and speak to our electrocution attorneys at Grant Law Firm. Our team has vast experience handling such cases and will do our best to maximize your claim. You can get in touch with us at (404) 995-3955 for a free consultation.