Spagnoletti Law Firm recently filed suit on behalf of a Tarrant County, Texas resident who tragically lost her husband as a result of the loss of electricity during Winter Storm Uri. The lawsuit brings claims against Oncor Electric Delivery Company, Direct Energy and Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT). Regarding the actions of ERCOT, the lawsuit alleges:
ERCOT manages roughly 90% of the Texas power grid. As the independent system operator for the region, ERCOT schedules power on an electric grid that connects more than 46,500 miles of transmission lines and 680+ generation units. Unfortunately for Plaintiff and Decedent, and literally millions in the state of Texas, ERCOT failed to adequately assess the electricity needs of Texas’s residents. ERCOT’s forecast for the maximum electricity that would be consumed far under-estimated the reality. As a result, millions were plunged into darkness and cold as a result of a loss of electricity.
With no warning issued beforehand, our client’s electricity was cut off by the Defendants. The Plaintiff and her husband planned and prepared for the winter storm that hit the State. Unfortunately, Plaintiff could not know that ERCOT, Oncor and Direct Energy would decide to cut-off their power with no end in sight and with no warning given to them in advance. Outside their house it was below zero degrees. Inside it was barely above freezing. As a result of the loss of electricity, the two were extremely cold, and experienced emotional distress from the situation, in not knowing how long they would be deprived of electrical power. On February 18, 2021, the power was restored, but it was too late. The Plaintiff’s husband remained cold, and had significant trouble breathing. Nothing could be done for his condition, and he passed away shortly thereafter.
The Plaintiff has asserted claims of negligence and gross negligence against both companies. The Plaintiff is represented by Spagnoletti Law Firm attorneys Frank Spagnoletti, Marcus Spagnoletti, and Eric Rhine.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this storm and the dangerous decisions that were made both leading up to it and during the storm. Safe electric providers must take adequate precautions to prepare for weather of any kind. Whether it is a hurricane, a heat wave, or a winter storm, the state’s power providers must anticipate the conditions and prepare to provide adequate capacity for their customer’s needs. When this does not occur, people can die as a result. It goes without saying that any time a catastrophic weather event is headed to the state, the state’s electric providers should adequately prepare. When this is not done people’s lives are threatened. Every company and entity involved has a responsibility to the members of the public.
The number of households without power was over 4 million on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. The unfortunate reality is that the decision to plunge millions of homes into coldness has a side effect – people’s lives. As temperatures plunge to below freezing in some parts of the state, reports are that numerous people have died or been seriously injured as a result of the loss of power.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving complex litigation in both federal and state court across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience in complex litigation. Our attorneys have the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously injured as a result of the loss of electricity during this storm. Our lawyers also have experience in representing businesses who have experienced lost income or property damage, and will pursue those claims against all responsible parties.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was seriously injured or died as a result of the loss of power. Please call us to learn about your rights if you are one of the individuals who have suffered personal injury or death, economic loss, or damaged property as a result of the decisions made by private companies in cutting off electricity. We have already filed multiple lawsuits for those who suffered significant damages or personal injuries that were caused by the negligence of a third party during the storm. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.