Man suffers electrical shock: Faulty wiring in transformer: Neuropsychological injuries: Verdict

Law Reporter, Jun 2003

Carter v. Gulf Power Co., Fla., Escambia County Cir. Ct., No. 99-936-CA-01, Jan. 29, 2003.

Carter, 55, was unplugging an appliance after a power surge. He received a severe electric shock, causing neuropsychological injuries that affect his speech, concentration, and I.Q. He incurred medical expenses of approximately $82,000, and is expected to require about $1.3 million in future medical care. Formerly a self-employed computer programmer with a variable income, Carter has been unable to return to work since the incident.

Carter sued the power company, alleging negligent wiring of the transformer leading into his home. Defendant admitted it had miswired die transformer, but denied that plaintiff received a shock, alleging plaintiff was feigning his injuries.

A jury awarded plaintiff approximately $3.06 million.

Plaintiff's experts were Thomas R. Syverson, neurology; John Hutcheson, neuropsychology; Donna Archer, life care planning; Marvin Beasley, economics; and Steve F. German, electricity; all of Pensacola, Fla.

Defendant's experts were Glenn J. Larrabee, neuropsychology, Sarasota, Fla.; Eric C. Jackson, engineering, Jacksonville, Fla.; and Cedric Walker, biomedicine, New Orleans, La.

Plaintiff's Counsel

* Dennis K. Larry, Pensacola, Fla.

Donald Partington, Pensacola, Fla.