If you have suffered an electric shock injury because of someone else's negligence — at work, in rented accommodation or on public premises — you can claim compensation. Employers must comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and keep electrical systems safe. Electric shocks can cause burns, cardiac problems, nerve damage and falls, and the full effects may only become apparent days or weeks later. You normally have three years to bring a claim.
Electric shock injuries range from a brief, painful jolt to fatal electrocution. Even non-fatal shocks can cause deep burns at entry and exit points, cardiac arrhythmia, lasting nerve damage and psychological trauma. Many electric shock accidents happen at work — on construction sites, in factories, during maintenance and from faulty portable equipment — but they also occur in homes, shops and public buildings. Where the shock was caused by someone else's failure to maintain or install electrical systems properly, the injured person can claim compensation.
Legal duties and who is liable
Liability depends on where the accident happened:
- Workplace. The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 impose a duty on employers to ensure electrical systems are constructed, maintained and used so as to prevent danger. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 adds a general duty. Portable appliance testing (PAT), regular fixed-wiring inspections and proper training are all part of compliance.
- Rented accommodation. Landlords in England must ensure electrical installations are inspected and tested every five years under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. A landlord who fails to maintain wiring or appliances can be liable.
- Public premises. The occupier owes duties under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 to keep premises reasonably safe, including electrical installations.
- Defective product. If the shock was caused by a defective appliance, the manufacturer may be strictly liable under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. See our defective product claims guide.
Injuries from electric shock
Electric current passing through the body can cause:
- Burns — electrical burns at entry and exit points, and arc flash burns.
- Cardiac arrest or arrhythmia — the current can disrupt the heart's electrical rhythm.
- Nerve and muscle damage — can be permanent and may not be immediately apparent.
- Falls — the involuntary muscle contraction from a shock often throws a person from a ladder or platform, causing secondary injuries.
- Psychological injury — flashbacks, anxiety and PTSD are common after a serious shock.
How much compensation for an electric shock?
The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), 17th edition (April 2024), value the injury by type and severity. Because electric shocks cause a range of different injuries, the relevant JCG chapter depends on the specific harm. Representative brackets:
| Injury | Guideline bracket |
|---|---|
| Minor burns, full recovery | £2,500 – £7,830 |
| Significant burn scarring | £7,830 – £22,730 |
| Nerve damage with lasting effects | £16,770 – £48,080 |
| Fractures from a fall caused by the shock | £4,670 – £137,080 |
| Moderate psychological injury (PTSD, anxiety) | £6,580 – £23,720 |
Special damages cover lost earnings, ongoing treatment, care and rehabilitation. See our nerve damage guide and how compensation works.
Evidence for an electric shock claim
| Evidence | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Accident report (employer or premises) | Contemporaneous record of the incident |
| HSE investigation report (if RIDDOR-reportable) | Independent findings on cause and compliance failures |
| Electrical inspection records (or absence) | Shows whether the system was properly maintained and tested |
| Medical records (A&E, cardiology, neurology) | Documents injuries, especially delayed-onset nerve or cardiac problems |
| Photographs of the equipment, wiring or scene | Preserves evidence of the fault |
| Records of financial losses | Lost earnings, treatment costs |
✓ RIDDOR reporting
Serious electric shock injuries at work must be reported to the HSE under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR). If your employer failed to report, that itself may indicate a failure to take the incident seriously.
Time limits
You have three years from the date of the incident, or from the date you first became aware of the injury if effects were delayed (Limitation Act 1980). See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. For a solicitor experienced in workplace accident or electrical injury claims, use the SRA register or the Law Society "Find a Solicitor" service. The HSE publishes guidance on electrical safety, and Citizens Advice can help with your rights.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for an electric shock at work?
Yes, if your employer failed to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 or breached their general duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Employers must ensure electrical systems are properly maintained, tested and safe to use. If faulty wiring, defective equipment or a lack of safety measures caused your electric shock, you can claim.
What injuries can an electric shock cause?
Electric shock can cause burns at entry and exit points, cardiac arrest or arrhythmia, nerve damage, muscle damage, falls from height triggered by the shock, fractures, and psychological injury including PTSD. Even a seemingly minor shock can cause lasting nerve problems, and the full effects may not be apparent immediately.
How long do I have to claim for an electric shock injury?
Three years from the date of the incident in England and Wales under the Limitation Act 1980. Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own three-year limits. For children, time usually starts at 18. If the effects of the shock only became apparent later, the three years may run from the date of knowledge instead.
Can I claim for an electric shock in a public place?
Yes. If you received an electric shock from faulty equipment or wiring in a shop, restaurant, hotel, leisure centre or other public premises, the occupier or the party responsible for the electrical installation may be liable under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 or in negligence. A landlord may also be liable for faulty electrics in a rented property.
What are the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989?
These regulations impose duties on employers and the self-employed to ensure that electrical systems used at work are constructed, maintained and used so as to prevent danger. They cover everything from fixed wiring and switchgear to portable appliances and temporary installations. A breach of these regulations that causes injury is strong evidence of negligence.
Should I see a doctor after an electric shock even if I feel fine?
Yes. Some effects of electric shock, particularly cardiac arrhythmia and nerve damage, may not be immediately obvious. Medical assessment creates a record that links your injury to the incident, which is important for any future claim. Always seek medical attention after any electric shock, even if you feel well initially.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- HSE — Electricity at Work — guidance on electrical safety
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance
Related guides: accident at work claims, construction accident claims, nerve damage claims, scarring and burns claims and no win, no fee explained.