CHARLESTON — A Parkersburg couple is suing power companies, alleging failure to protect, loss of consortium and negligence.
Justin Davis and Bethany Davis filed a complaint in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia against Wheeling Power Company, doing business as AEP Ohio and Cebridge Telecom WV, LLC doing business as Suddenlink Communications, alleging the defendants allowed its energized power lines to sag and encroach, violating the NESC telecommunication worker safety zone.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 6, 2016, Justin Davis climbed a ladder to inspect the telecommunication lines of the defendant when he received shock to his hand, causing him to fall 20 feet.
The suit alleges the defendants allegedly did not abide by the telecommunication worker safety zone mandated by the NESC, which requires clearance, causing safety issues to Davis while performing his electrical checkup.
As a result, the suit says, Justin Davis was severely injured, causing impairment, and depriving Bethany Davis the companionship and services of her husband.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed or refused to take any precautions to protect Justin Davis and others from exposure to the hazard of electric shock to the energized power lines.
The plaintiffs seek trial by jury, judgment to be determined by a jury, plus costs, attorney fees, pre-and post-judgment interest. They are represented by attorneys D. Blake Carter Jr. of Bailey Javins & Carter, LC in Charleston and by C. Michael Bee of Hill Peterson Carpber Bee & Deitzler PLLC of Charleston.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia case number 2:18-cv-01292