WAGENER, S.C. – The family of a South Carolina teacher has filed a lawsuit against Dominion Energy and Comporium, claiming their negligence resulted in her tragic death. Last year, Jeunelle Robinson, a teacher at Wagener-Salley High School, was fatally struck by a utility pole while walking along Main Street in Wagener. The lawsuit alleges that a truck hit low hanging utility lines, causing eight poles to be uprooted, one of which struck and killed Robinson.
According to the lawsuit, the utility poles that caused the accident were over sixty years old and had extensive wood rot, a condition that Dominion Energy and Comporium were allegedly aware of. The family’s attorney, Justin Bamberg, argues that the hazardous state of the poles was a direct result of the utilities’ negligence and failure to address maintenance issues promptly.
Dominion Energy and Comporium have yet to respond to the lawsuit. The family of Robinson, in the company of their attorney, held a press conference on Monday, March 11, to announce their legal action against the utility companies.
This tragic incident raises concerns about the safety of utility infrastructure in Wagener and the surrounding areas. The lawsuit brings attention to the responsibility of utility companies to ensure the stability of their equipment, especially when it poses a risk to the community. The family seeks justice and compensation for the loss of their loved one, while hoping that this lawsuit will prompt the utilities to prioritize regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such accidents in the future.
Accidents involving utility poles are rare but can have devastating consequences, as illustrated by this case. The age and condition of these poles raise questions about the protocols in place for regular inspections and maintenance. This lawsuit serves as a reminder for utility companies across the country to prioritize safety and address any potential hazards promptly, reducing the risk of similar accidents.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community mourns the loss of Jeunelle Robinson, a beloved teacher who made a significant impact on the lives of her students. Her tragic death highlights the importance of holding utility companies accountable for ensuring the safety of their infrastructure, ultimately protecting the public from foreseeable risks. The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent for similar cases going forward, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to maintain the integrity of utility poles and prevent unnecessary tragedies.