Harrell & Nowak was retained by a roofer who suffered third-degree electrical and arcing burns to his hand, chest, shoulder, legs, and feet. His injuries ocurred in 2006 while he worked on a Katrina-devasted apartment building. As he removed a gutter, the gutter came into contact with an 8,000 volt high tension power line.
Two weeks before the accident the roofing company noticed some drooping lines, and alerted the general contractor. The general contractor asked the apartment manager to call the power company, Entergy. The power company took the call and a sent serviceman to the complex to investigate. Unfortunately and unbelievably, the serviceman did not measured the line. At his deposition, the serviceman said he did not even know how high the line should be. None of the power lines were shut off. Nor were the electrical lines raised or insulated. Nothing was done, and the roofer made contact at the same place and between the same two poles where the serviceman had been called out to investigate.
The roofer suffered third-degree electical and arcing burns over 25% of his body. He spent 2 months in a burn unit.
The jury will be asked if the power company acted with “utmost care” the standard required by Louisiana law. The jury will also be asked to determine if the apartment complex acted with reasonable care.
Harrell & Nowak will seek damages for their client for his burn injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages and future earnings.