A Wisconsin utility company was recently alleged to be guilty of negligence in the death of a person killed as a result of electrocution. Apparently a downed power line caused the electrocution. The allegation was that the power line was negligently designed, installed and maintained. The electrocuted man was trying to help others who had been electrocuted by the downed line. Power lines are inherently dangerous. There is a phenomena known as arcing that allows electricity from the power line to arc a certain distance that can cause injury even if the person does not touch the line. Our office has handled these cases over the years in a third party setting as well as workers compensation. There are very few attorneys who have handled these types of cases because, fortunately, they are rare. However, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured by electricity, contact one of our attorneys for a free consultation.
December 2009 Archives
A Florida jury recently awarded $ 330 million in damages to a family whose 12 year old girl was killed by a drunk driver. $ 276 million of the amount was punitive damages. This award would not be possible in Maryland because of case law that essentially disallows punitive damages unless the act was such that it demonstrated actual malice towards the injured party. The award is believed to be one of the largest in recent history. If you, a family member or friend has been struck by a drunk driver, call one of our attorneys for a free consultation. Although we may not be able to obtain a punitive damages award under Maryland law, as soon as a jury finds out alcohol is involved in an accident, they routinely award an increased amount of damages, even if it is not equal to what a punitive damage award might be.
