CHARLESTON — A pipe worker is suing electric utility companies, alleging negligence led to the plaintiff suffering electrical shock.
Andrew Loftis filed a complaint in Kanawha Circuit Court against American Electric Power Company Inc., Appalachian Power Company, American Electric Power Company Inc., doing business as Appalachian Power Company, and American Electric Power Service Corporation, alleging failure to follow applicable safety guidelines and regulations.
According to the complaint, on Oct. 13, 2016, Loftis was working as a pipe layer for his employer, Pipe Plus Inc., at a site near the defendants property, at 429 Simms Road in St. Albans. The suit says a live electrical line was negligently left on the ground covered by vegetation, causing Lofits electrical shock and serious injuries.
The suit says the injuries led to medical expenses, lost income, physical and mental pain, loss of enjoyment of life and severe emotional distress.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to properly maintain its power line and right of way, and failed to keep its right of way free from danger.
Loftis seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, interest, court costs and disbursements of action, and all further just relief. He is represented by attorneys Marvin W. Masters and Kelly Elswick-Hall of The Masters Law Firm LC in Charleston.
Kanawha Circuit Court case number 18-C-1049