What to Do After an Electrical Injury in California
An electric shock can be deceptive — the harm may be hidden, and the evidence can be repaired away within days. Here is a clear order of operations, with your health first.
Get medical care, even if it seemed minor
See a doctor right away, and tell them it was an electric shock. Electrical injuries can cause hidden cardiac, neurological, and internal harm, so proper evaluation matters even after a shock that felt mild.
Identify and preserve the hazard
Note what shocked you — the wiring, outlet, tool, or line — and ask that it not be repaired or replaced before it can be examined. If a tool or appliance was involved, keep it exactly as is.
Document the source and get witnesses
Photograph the source and area safely, keep any records or communications, and get contact information for witnesses and whoever controlled the hazard.
Watch for delayed symptoms
Note any new or worsening problems — heart, memory, sensation, or strength — in the days after, and follow up medically. Electrical harm can appear or worsen later.
Get advice quickly
Because the hazard can be repaired away and the harm can be delayed, getting advice fast means a lawyer can preserve the evidence and arrange proper medical documentation.
Frequently asked questions
The landlord wants to fix the wiring right away. Should I let them?
That wiring may be the key evidence of what caused your shock. It is worth asking that it be preserved and getting advice quickly, so an expert can examine it before it is repaired.
This article is general information about California injury law, not legal advice. Every case is different — talk to a lawyer about your situation.
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