PRINCETON – A man is suing several utility companies alleging he was injured while working on the roof of a Bluefield property by low-hanging electrical lines.
Robert M. Riffe filed a complaint in Mercer Circuit Court against Appalachian Power Co.; AEP Energy Inc.; AEP Transmission Co. LLC; Frontier West Virginia Inc.; Citizens Telecommunications Co. of West Virginia, doing business as Frontier Communications of West Virginia, alleging negligence.
The suit states on Sept. 11, 2017, the plaintiff was at a Bluefield home assisting the homeowner with the repair of the flashing on one of the eves of house. The suit states while the plaintiff was on the roof, a piece of flashing he was handling came into contact with a low-hanging electrical line and caused electrical injuries.
The suit states the utility pole adjacent to the property had rotted and caused it to lean. The plaintiff alleges the pole and lines were owned by the defendants.
The plaintiff is seeking all reasonable sums due, attorney fees and court costs. The plaintiff is represented by Brian E. Bigelow, Stephen B. Farmer and Robert A. Campbell of Farmer, Cline & Campbell PLLC in Beckley.
The case has been assigned to Judge William Sadler.
Mercer Circuit Court case number 19-C-92