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Representing People Who Have Suffered Loss Through Electrical Defects
Faulty electrical systems can cause a great deal of harm to homeowners or renters. Electrical defects pose an electrical shock and fire hazard. In addition to severe injuries, they can cause serious damage to expensive equipment and result in loss of property.
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- Julian Allen
What Are the Causes of Faulty Residential Wiring?
A home’s electrical system can be faulty to begin with as a result of construction defects. Causes may include poor design and planning, use of unskilled workers for installation, or use of substandard or defective materials. When there are no construction defects, the wiring in a building can become faulty over time through property owner negligence. Common causes of faulty electrical systems include:
- Natural deterioration: With time and exposure to the elements, the wiring of a building can deteriorate. This is particularly true of buildings and power systems more than 20 years old.
- Rodents: Mice and rats can chew through electrical wires, and are responsible for millions of dollars in damage to buildings every year.
- Roaches: In addition to the other problems they cause, roaches can damage wiring. They can eat through insulation, exposing wires to surrounding drywall and wood.
- Electrical overload: When older homes are renovated, new outlets, appliances, and lighting are often installed. Older electrical systems may not be able to support the load. Burned out wiring in the walls and breaker boxes can increase the risk of fire.
- Improper installation: When property owners take a DIY approach or cut corners on quality of workmanship to repair electrical issues, it can cost a great deal more in the long run. Without the professional knowledge to ensure electrical repairs and renovations are done properly, it can lead to electrical fires that put residents at risk.
What Are the Possible Consequences of Electrical Defects?
At best, electrical defects can reduce energy efficiency or effectiveness of electrical appliances and air conditioning and other systems that run on electricity. At worst, they can cause bodily injury or death. Wiring defects can lead to electrical fires that can cause the loss of possessions, loss of a home, serious injury, or even loss of life. Electrical defects can also create a risk of electrocution.
Do Negligent Landlords Share in Fire Liability When Faulty Wiring Is the Cause?
Landlords have a duty to their tenants and visitors to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. When they fail to take action to adequately correct a known risk, they are considered negligent under the law. Landlords can be held liable for losses suffered in a fire if they could have prevented the fire or knew there was a chance that a fire could have occurred. A landlord may share in liability for a fire caused by faulty wiring if the landlord:
- Failed to ensure the building was up to code
- Failed to install and maintain working smoke detectors
- Attempted to control the temperature of the unit, forcing the tenant to resort to other methods of heating
What Types of Damages Can a Victim Receive for Fires Caused by Faulty Wiring?
If you have been injured in an electrical fire caused by construction defects or landlord negligence, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses. Depending on the circumstances and the types of losses you suffered, your damages may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of future earning potential
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Personal property damage
Our Charleston personal injury attorneys at Allen Law have extensive legal and trial experience. Our founding attorney is a former insurance defense lawyer, with inside knowledge of how the other side works. If you or your loved one has been hurt because of a faulty electrical system, call us at (843) 882-5005 to find out how we can help.