A South Carolina family has received a $30 million settlement after a tragic accident involving a rotting utility pole took the life of a young high school teacher.
At a Glance
- The family of Jeunelle Robinson will receive $30 million in a wrongful death settlement.
- Robinson was struck and killed by a 70-year-old utility pole in Wagener, SC.
- The settlement was made with Dominion Energy and Comporium.
- The incident highlights critical issues with aging infrastructure.
Family Awarded $30 Million Settlement
The family of Jeunelle Robinson, a South Carolina woman, will receive $30 million in a wrongful death settlement. Robinson, a 31-year-old high school social studies teacher in Wagener, was struck and killed by a rotting 70-year-old utility pole. The incident occurred last August in downtown Wagener, moments after a truck snagged a drooping, unused telephone line, causing the pole to be launched into the air.
This settlement was reached with Dominion Energy and Comporium, thus avoiding a prolonged court trial. Surveillance video captured the tragic moment Robinson was struck, making it clear that the family’s loss was avoidable. Unfortunately, records show the poles were over 60 years old, with no recent inspections or replacement markings to indicate they were being maintained.
Negligence in Infrastructure Maintenance
The settlement underscores the importance of maintaining and inspecting aging infrastructure. The families’ lawyer, Justin Bamberg, expressed gratitude for the settlements, highlighting the desire to spare the family from ongoing painful recollections in court. Both companies have expressed their sympathies and conveyed hope that similar tragedies can be prevented through better infrastructure oversight.
“We appreciate the leadership of Dominion and Comporium for working with us to ensure Jeunelle’s family would not have to relive this tragedy in court unnecessarily,” Justin Bamberg said in a statement.
A Dedication to Education
Jeunelle Robinson was remembered by her peers and family members for her unwavering dedication to her students. Her father, Donovan Julian, remembered her fondly, saying, “She loved her class. She loved her students. She was a light taken too soon. She was a joy.” In honor of her dedication, part of the settlement will go toward establishing the “Jeunelle Robinson Teacher’s Hope Fund” to provide school supplies to underfunded school districts.
“Our prayers have been with the family of Ms. Robinson and the many lives she touched since this accident occurred,” said Comporium Chief Operating Officer Matthew Dosch in a statement.
Jeunelle Robinson’s tragic death, caused by negligence in infrastructure maintenance, is a sobering reminder of the importance of diligent oversight. The family’s hope is that this substantial settlement will drive other companies to prioritize public safety, thereby preventing further tragedies.
Sources:
- The family of a South Carolina woman struck and killed by a rotting 70-year-old utility pole will get $30 million in a wrongful death settlement
- Family of woman killed by falling utility pole to receive $30M settlement
- $30M settlement going to family of Wagener teacher killed by utility pole
- Family of Aiken County teacher killed by pole settles with utility companies for $30M
