Faulty wiring, like outdated knob and tube systems, poses serious risks to homeowners and their families. If you've suffered an injury due to electrical hazards, an electrocution accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.
This article will go over wiring hazards and the legal side of dealing with electrocution accidents with the help of a lawyer.
You’ll also learn:
Let’s start by discussing the potential dangers of knobs and tube wiring in homes.
Homes built between the 1880s and the 1950s often contain knob and tube wiring, an outdated electrical system that is dangerous by today’s standards.
While knob and tube wiring were adequate for the early 20th century’s electrical needs, modern households — and the safety standards they must meet — have advanced far beyond this aging technology.
The absence of a grounding wire is one of the most dangerous aspects of knob and tube wiring. In modern electrical systems, the grounding wire prevents electrocution by directing excess electricity safely into the ground.
Without this feature, knob and tube systems increase the risk of electric shocks, particularly in wet environments like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry areas.
Without grounding wires, there’s no safe pathway for excess electricity to be directed. This means that if there’s a short circuit or malfunction, the electricity could travel through the nearest object — which could be a person.
This lack of grounding is especially dangerous in rooms with water fixtures, such as bathrooms or kitchens, where the combination of water and electricity further increases the risk of severe injuries.
Another hazard posed by knob and tube wiring is the insulation that surrounds the wires. Made from rubber, this insulation deteriorates over time, becoming brittle and leaving exposed wires that are vulnerable to short circuits and fires.
Because these wires are often hidden behind walls, floors, and ceilings, it’s difficult to detect these problems until it’s too late.
Over time, as the insulation degrades, it can crumble or break away, leaving wires exposed. This creates a significant risk of sparks, short circuits, and even electrical fires. Moreover, because knob and tube wiring isn’t typically equipped with a proper grounding system, these short circuits have a higher likelihood of leading to dangerous incidents.
Older wiring was designed to handle the electrical loads of the early 20th century, which were much lower than today’s modern appliances. High-powered devices such as ACs, fridges, and PCs can overload the system, leading to overheating, short circuits, or even electrical fires.
The increased use of such appliances in homes with knob and tube wiring is a major safety risk that many homeowners don’t realize until accidents occur.
The risks posed by knob and tube wiring extend beyond the possibility of injury or property damage. Homeowners may also face financial and legal consequences if they continue to use this outdated wiring system. Let’s take a closer look at what those consequences are:
Some insurers view knob and tube wiring as a higher risk due to its age and potential dangers, while others may provide coverage with increased premiums or conditions.
If your home is covered by an insurance policy, it’s vital to check whether the presence of knob and tube wiring affects your coverage.
Failing to update your wiring could mean that certain damages caused by electrical issues might not be fully covered by your insurance, potentially leaving you responsible for repair bills.
Disclosing the presence of knob and tube wiring is legally required in some jurisdictions when selling a property, but not in all. Failure to do so where required could result in legal action from the buyer if they later discover the unsafe wiring and experience damages or injuries.
Upgrading the wiring ensures future occupants' safety while reducing potential legal risks.
Modern electrical codes are designed to ensure the safety of homes, but knob and tube systems often fail to meet these standards. Next, we’ll put our focus on how knob and tube wiring can violate electrical codes:
In many cases, knob and tube wiring does not meet today’s safety codes, which means that some home renovation projects may require updating the electrical system. However, some localities allow properly maintained knob and tube wiring to remain in use.
Renovating without assessing or upgrading the wiring could put contractors, electricians, and homeowners at risk, making it essential to evaluate the wiring system as part of any renovation.
Electrical codes have been updated several times since knob and tube wiring was widely used. This means that older systems no longer meet the safety standards required for homes.
The installation of modern appliances, the addition of more circuits, or even basic renovations like kitchen remodels can trigger electrical code violations, requiring you to replace the old wiring before proceeding with your project.
Before undertaking any renovation, it’s critical to hire a licensed electrician to inspect the home’s wiring. A qualified electrician can assess whether the knob and tube system poses a safety risk and make recommendations for upgrades or replacements.
In some cases, the electrician may determine that only certain parts of the wiring need to be replaced, but in many situations, a full rewire is necessary to meet modern safety standards.
An electrician will also assess the integrity of the wiring, determine if it has been overloaded, and inspect the condition of the insulation. If any part of the system poses a hazard, the entire system may need to be updated to ensure it meets current safety standards.
An electrical inspection can help guarantee your home is safe, increase your home’s value, and lower your insurance premiums. Taking these steps early on can prevent larger expenses — and potential injuries — later down the road.
Electrocution accidents can cause a range of severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and can result in long-term disabilities or even death. An electrical accidents lawyer will need to know about any common injuries you’ve suffered, such as:
Electric shocks can cause external and internal burns, damaging skin, muscles, nerves, and other internal tissues. Electric burns can be very devastating, often damaging tissue beneath the skin and causing long-term damage to muscles and organs. Some burns may even require amputation if the tissue damage is too extensive.
The human body is particularly vulnerable to electrical currents that disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm, leading to cardiac arrhythmia or immediate cardiac arrest. Victims who suffer cardiac events due to electrocution require immediate emergency care to survive.
Electrical shocks can cause violent muscle contractions that may throw the victim away from the source of the shock. This can lead to falls, resulting in broken bones or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) if the head impacts a hard surface.
The body’s nervous system is highly susceptible to electrical currents, which can damage the spinal cord or peripheral nerves. Victims may experience partial or complete paralysis if the nerves are severely damaged.
Each of these injuries can have life-altering consequences, leaving victims and their families struggling with emotional and financial burdens.
Remember: By working with a skilled electrocution injury lawyer, victims can pursue compensation for their damages and help ease the burden of recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an electrocution accident, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. A qualified electrocution accident attorney can help you recover the full amount of compensation you deserve, including:
Medical bills for electrocution injuries can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially if the victim requires extensive hospitalization or multiple surgeries. Long-term care, such as physical therapy or rehabilitation, can further increase the financial burden on victims and their families.
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity create long-term problems. Victims who are unable to return to their previous jobs due to their injuries may need to seek new employment opportunities, often at a lower salary. Compensation for diminished earning capacity assures that victims are not left struggling financially as a result of their injuries.
Long-term care costs also affect victims. People with permanent disabilities or long-term medical needs may require home care, specialized equipment, or frequent medical appointments. These costs can place a significant financial burden on the victim’s family, making compensation essential to cover these ongoing expenses.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to faulty wiring, such as knob and tube systems, it’s essential to seek legal help as soon as possible.
As mentioned before, keep in mind that an experienced electrical accident lawyer can help you assess the situation, determine who is liable, and preserve evidence for your case.
In Maryland, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident. This includes claims for electrocution injuries.
Additionally, Maryland's Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article § 5-108 provides a 20-year statute of repose for claims related to real property improvements like building code violations. Sometimes this statute can apply in electrocution cases, especially if faulty wiring or unsafe systems are involved.
Missing the deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation for your injuries. In wrongful death cases, surviving family members generally have three years from the date of the wrongful act that led to the death, rather than the date of the victim’s death, to file a claim.
It’s crucial to act quickly to ensure all deadlines are met, and your legal rights are protected.
If you’ve been injured in an electrocution accident, Attorney Chris L. Beard can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.
With extensive experience in electrocution and premises liability cases, Chris Beard has the knowledge and skill to ensure that your case is handled effectively.
If you’re looking for an electrocution injury lawyer in Maryland, Attorney Chris L. Beard is here to help. Contact him today to schedule a free consultation, or call (443) 569-3950 to learn more about how he can assist with your case.
