Electrician Burn Accident
When an electrician was severely burned in an accident at New Britain High School, the City worked hard to avoid responsibility. As the trial approached, the city made a token settlement offer of $15,000.
A six-week trial ensued, outlining the following facts: John Cotter (name changed to protect confidentiality) was removing aluminum wire and replacing it with copper wire. He had turned off the power to the area of the switchgear system he was working on.
The City had decided not to install a ground fault system, which is required by Code.
The system caught on fire as Mr. Cotter removed wires. A flash fire shot out 15 to 20 feet. Mr. Cotter was hospitalized for five weeks and was unable to return to work for six months. He severely burned all exposed areas of his body. He spent two arduous years in rehabilitation.
Careful investigation revealed the cause of the fire to be faulty insulation. According to Attorney David Jaffe, Of Counsel to Spinella & Associates, the city “didn't put on the insulation provided by the manufacturer, but instead used jerry-rigged electrical tape. The city created a dangerous condition—it was an accident waiting to happen." Additionally, a ground fault should have and could have been installed for $5,000, which also would have prevented serious injury to John Cotter.
The jury agreed with Attorney Jaffe and awarded $1.75 million to the 31-year-old electrician, which was the highest verdict ever rendered against the City of New Britain.