Lawsuit blames companies over man's death

HUNTINGTON -- The heirs of a man killed by a falling tree branch are suing two companies, alleging both fostered an unsafe work environment.

Steven E. Meacham, as personal representative and administrator of the estate of Steven Robinette, filed a lawsuit in Cabell Circuit Court against Prichard Lawn Care and American Electric Power Company.

The lawsuit blames the defendants for Robinette's death at a Kanawha County job site on June 30, 2008.

According to the complaint, Robinette was an employee of Prichard. The company was hired by AEP to remove trees from an area near a substation.

"While conducting his work activities, Steven Robinette was subjected to various hazardous and dangerous conditions caused by the negligence and reckless activities of" the defendants, the lawsuit says.

As a result, Robinette was killed by a falling tree limb, the complaint says.

The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages.

Kenneth P. Hicks and Dennis E. Kelley are representing the plaintiff. The case is before Cabell Circuit Judge David Pancake.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 09-C-562