Faulty Wiring Injury Claims

What You Need to Know About Claiming Compensation

Whether it’s an electric shock or a fire, injuries from poor wiring may lead to faulty wiring injury claims. Faulty wiring from electrical installation or maintenance is a serious hazard.

It poses a risk to health and safety, whether in residential or commercial properties. So if you’ve suffered from an injury due to faulty wiring and which was not your fault, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.

There are lots of different types of accidents and injuries associated with faulty wiring. It is important to know that you have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim.

Jefferies Claims can advise you on the process. We partner with lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

What Is a Faulty Wiring Injury Claim?

A faulty wiring injury claim is a type of personal injury claim which may be pursued if you have suffered harm. This may be due to defective, poorly installed, or inadequately maintained electrical wiring. These injuries may occur at home, in rented accommodation, at work, or in public places such as shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Property owners, employers, landlords, and service providers are required by law to ensure that electrical installations meet the required safety standards. However if they fail in this duty and you get hurt as a result, you may seek compensation for your injuries and related losses.

Who Can You Claim Against for Faulty Wiring Injuries?

Determining who is responsible for your injury is critical when you want to make a faulty wiring personal injury claim. It will depend on where and how the accident happened:

Landlords

If you’re injured due to faulty wiring in a rented home or flat, your landlord could be held liable. Landlords must ensure that electrical installations in their properties are safe at the start of a tenancy. Additionally, they have to be maintained in a safe condition throughout that tenancy period.

Employers

Employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment, including properly installed and maintained electrical systems.

Property Owners or Occupiers

If you suffer an injury due to faulty wiring in a public or private space, you may be able to claim against the property owner or occupier. This may include a shop, restaurant, hotel or even a friend’s house.

Electricians and Contractors

If faulty wiring was caused by negligent work from an electrician or electrical contractor, you might be able to pursue a claim. This will be against the business or individual responsible for the defective installation or repair.

 

Common Types of Accidents Caused by Faulty Wiring

Faulty wiring can lead to various types of accidents. Here are some of the top risks where injuries may happen due to electrical negligence.

Electrical Shocks

Perhaps the most immediate hazard is an electric shock. This may range from a minor tingle to a life-threatening jolt. Accidents tend to occur when touching exposed wires, faulty appliances, or light switches connected to defective wiring systems.

Electrical Fires

Poorly installed or maintained wiring can overheat, spark, and cause fires. These can have a devastating impact. A fire may result in property damage, severe burns or smoke inhalation injuries.

Electrical Burns

When faulty wiring causes contact with live electrical currents, victims may suffer burns to the skin, tissues, and internal organs. Electrical burns may require extensive medical treatment.

Trips and Falls

Loose or exposed wiring left trailing on floors can pose a trip hazard. An unintended fall might cause fractures, sprains, head injuries, or soft tissue damage.

Secondary Injuries

This is an interesting one. In addition to direct electrical injuries, faulty wiring accidents can cause secondary incidents. For example, someone receiving an electric shock may fall off a ladder or down a staircase, leading to additional injuries.

 

Types of Injuries Sustained from Faulty Wiring

The injuries sustained in faulty wiring incidents can range from mild to severe. Common injuries include:

• Electric shocks causing muscle spasms, nerve damage, or cardiac issues
• Electrical burns, which may lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Smoke inhalation injuries from electrical fires, affecting respiratory health
• Fractures and sprains from falls caused by loose or exposed wires 

How To Start A Personal Injury Claim

There are time limits for making a personal injury claim. The general rule is a three-year period from the date of the accident to start your claim. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

For children, the three year rule begins on their 18^th birthday, giving them time to start a claim to when they are 21. It is advisable to get legal advice as soon as possible after an accident.

To pursue a faulty wiring injury claim, follow these steps:

1. Seek medical attention immediately — your health and safety come first.
2. Report the accident to the relevant authority, such as your landlord, employer, or property manager.
3. Gather evidence, including photographs of the faulty wiring, your injuries, witness details, and medical records.

Your Next Steps

If you’ve been hurt because of electrical negligence, you may be eligible to claim compensation. Successful claims typically provide compensation for pain and suffering, as well as financial losses, such as medical expenses.

The amount will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life and the financial loss you have incurred as a result of the accident.

Our friendly team at Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page to discuss your potential claim.