Laborer Electrocuted After 100-Ton Crane Makes Contact with High Voltage Power Line

Counsel Financial

This case involves the death of a construction laborer, killed on the job site. While drilling holes for foundation piers, the laborer worked near a large, industrial crane. The crane came into contact with a high voltage power line, and as a consequence, electrocuted the laborer to death. The laborer's estate sued the general contractor, the crane company, the crane operator, and the drilling company for negligence. In particular, the Plaintiff?estate alleged that the on?site general contractor negligently failed to properly supervise, educate and train the laborer. The drilling company, according to the estate, was negligent in failing to make certain the electrical lines were de?energized. Further, the Plaintiff asserted that a minimum distance between the crane and voltage lines should have been maintained.

VERDICT: $2,911,958. The Defendant?drilling company, decedent, and Defendant?crane company, were each found by the jury to be 13% liable. The Defendant?crane operator was found to be 56% responsible and the decedent's employer 5%.

Estate of Michael Thompson by Krystal Thompson v. Rent a Crane of Oklahoma, Michael Roger Loper, Okie Foundation Drilling Company, and Satterfield and Pontikes Construction, Inc.