Painter blames homeowners for injuries

CHARLES TOWN - A Jefferson County man has filed a suit against a Charles Town couple, claiming he was nearly electrocuted while working in their home.

Leo Peck filed a suit May 11 in Jefferson Circuit Court against Kenneth and Cindi Hertelendy.

Peck entered into a contract with the Hertelendys to paint their home. While there, Kenneth Hertelendy asked Peck to remove a light fixture. According to the suit, Cindi Hertelendy assured Peck she had turned off the circuit to the fixture.

When Peck "attempted to remove the light fixture, he was electrocuted because the power had not, in fact, been shut off," the suit says.

Peck claims the Hertelendys were negligent because they should have known the light fixture had high voltage electricity running to it.

Peck claims he has had to endure great pain and suffering, permanent injuries, disfigurement, loss of normal life, and other damages. According to the suit, he was "hospitalized for more than a month and was without income at Christmastime."

Peck claims he asked for at least partial payment for the work he had done on the Hertelendys home, but they refused, claiming they had to get someone else to finish the job.

Peck, through attorney Stephen G. Skinner, seeks punitive damages for $1 million and compensation for the work he completed.

Jefferson Circuit Court case number 07-C-158