By: Dr. Irving Ojalvo
Tel: (800) 358-9909
Fax: (888) 358-9901
Email: Technology Associates
Electric power and electronic appliances are so integrated with modern life that there is a high degree of likelihood that everyone will receive one or more electric shocks in a lifetime. In many cases, only trivial power levels are involved. However, when electric shocks cause damage to humans or even result in death (defined as an electrocution), then improper control or isolation of the associated electric power must be investigated. Shocks are typically caused by faulty ground connections, inadequate insulation, or improper circuit design. Establishing the causes of shocks and their effect upon humans is key to establishing liability.
We have extensive experience in many aspects of electric shock including:
Through scientific analysis, we can help you answer pertinent questions such as:
Grocery Store Shock:
A woman working in a grocery store received a shock from a wooden display case. She had an electrician's report (taken within an hour of the accident) that said there was a high voltage in the display case, but the electrician's report was flawed. We re-investigated and found the same results as the electrician. We also explained the nature of the flaws in the electrician's report and showed that they had nothing to do with the validity of the woman's claim, validating her case.
Refrigerator Shock:
A female restaurant employee claimed to receive a debilitating shock from a refrigerator, which was not grounded. She had extensive injuries, but she also had suffered another accident unrelated to this case, which could have caused these injuries. Medical doctors couldn't determine which accident caused her problems. We recreated the accident using a "fake human" and then a real human in the same setup. Documentation of on-site results convinced a jury and the restaurant prevailed.
Dr. Irving Ojalvo was, at the time of this article's publication, the Chairman of Technology Associates (www.technology-assoc.com), a forensic engineering firm with offices in New York City and Connecticut. The firm's technical personnel, all of whom have advanced degrees, perform accident reconstruction involving issues of biomechanics, mechanical, traffic, and human factors engineering.
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