WAGENER, S.C. (/Gray News) – A lawsuit has been filed by the family of a high school teacher against the energy companies they hold accountable for her tragic death.
Jeunelle Robinson, a social studies teacher at Wagener-Salley High School, lost her life at the age of 31 in a devastating incident. While on her lunch break and walking along Main Street in Wagener, she was fatally struck by a falling power pole after a Peterbilt tractor-trailer made contact with overhead power lines, as reported by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Despite her efforts to evade the danger, Robinson was unable to avoid the falling pole, leading to the fatal outcome witnessed by onlookers.
The family of the deceased teacher convened a press conference to announce the legal action taken against Dominion Energy, Comporium, and PBT Telecom. Attorney Justin Bamberg emphasized the family’s resolve to seek justice, stating, “It’s no longer fair to allow a family and a community to be victimized and we have decided to fight back.”
The lawsuit, spanning 113 pages, highlights the family’s claim that the outdated condition of the poles and power lines in Wagener significantly contributed to Robinson’s untimely death, citing the poles’ age of over 70 years.
The family demands accountability from both companies involved, particularly refuting Comporium’s disavowal of responsibility for the poles. Bamberg expressed disbelief at Comporium’s stance, stating, “We don’t buy that. Not for one second.”
Recent correspondence between the Wagener town clerk and Dominion revealed the utility company’s reluctance to address concerns regarding the poles, asserting that it was not their obligation to rectify the situation. This interaction occurred shortly before the tragic incident that claimed Robinson’s life.
Originally seeking compensation exceeding \(100 million, the family now asserts that \)100 million represents the minimum acceptable amount for the loss they have endured.
Looking ahead, the lawsuit aims to serve the defendants and proceed towards trial, underscoring the defendants’ alleged negligence in maintaining safe infrastructure to protect the public from harm.
Accompanied by photographic evidence showcasing the deteriorating state of utility poles and equipment in Wagener, the lawsuit stresses the need for replacement or removal of hazardous infrastructure that poses a threat to the community.
The legal action seeks both actual and punitive damages to be determined by a jury as the family seeks closure and accountability for their devastating loss.
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