A load protection apparatus for protecting an electrical load connected to an output terminal of the load protection apparatus against overcurrent, includes an overcurrent protection circuit having a power switch through which the electrical load receives an electrical load current via the output terminal and having a sensor component connected in series with the power switch. The sensor component is adapted to directly generate a voltage drop corresponding to the current rise speed of the electrical load current flowing from an input terminal of the load control apparatus, via the sensor component and the power switch to the output terminal. The sensor component further includes a driver circuit adapted to detect an occurring overcurrent depending on the voltage drop generated by the sensor component and depending on a voltage drop along the power switch adapted to switch off said power switch upon detection of an overcurrent within a switch-off period.