Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed by Family of Wagener-Salley Teacher
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the family of 31-year-old Jeunelle Robinson in the wake of her death in August of 2023, it was announced at a news conference today.
Robinson was a social studies teacher at Wagener-Salley High School in Wagener and on her lunch break outside when she was killed in a freak accident. A tractor-trailer hit some overhead utility lines, pulling some out of the ground. One of the poles hit Robinson as she was walking along Main Street pulled out of the ground were defective and alleges it was known they needed to be replaced.
Attorney Justin Bamberg said Robinson’s family is seeking $130 million in damages from Dominion Energy Inc., PBT Telecom Inc.; and Comporium Inc.
What Robinson’s Family is Seeking:
- $100 million in compensation
- $20 million to start a trust fund in Robinson’s name for scholarships for students in Aiken County who want to be teachers
- $10 million to be used for power utility infrastructure in the towns of Wagener and Salley
What the Lawsuit Alleges:
- The complaint seeks damages and alleges gross negligence which includes failure to inspect the poles
- Maintenance to treat the poles over time
- Removal of rotting or abandoned poles
- Failure to have a proper record of ownership of the poles, the proper attachment of lines and more
- The defendants intentionally and reckless inflicted severe emotional distress on the plaintiff or were substantially certain that such distress would result from their conflict and emotional distress that waws so severe that no one reasonably could be expected to endure it
The lawsuit also claims Dominion Energy was obligated to inspect the poles and notify Comporium of the pole’s conditions. It also claims Dominion was responsible for ensuring the owner replaced those that were unsafe.
Dominion Energy had previously said it did not own the telecommunications pole that hit Robinson, but offered condolences to her family.
Those named in the lawsuit have 30 days to respond.
