The family of a 28-year-old Texas City lineman who was fatally shocked while working on CenterPoint Energy’s electric system is suing the utility, alleging his crew had been told the lines were de-energized when they were actually live.
Houston lawyer Tony Buzbee announced Aug. 20 that he had filed the lawsuit on behalf of Ryne Cooper’s family. Cooper died Aug. 11 while working on CenterPoint’s system, according to records provided by Buzbee.
The lawsuit alleges CenterPoint and Cooper’s employer, Power Contracting LLC, failed to follow basic safeguards for high-voltage work, including accurately identifying and de-energizing lines and confirming they were safe before the crew began working. CenterPoint said it does not comment on pending litigation…