Entergy sued by couple after power line allegedly shocks son

NEW ORLEANS – A couple claims their son was shocked when his pool net struck an Entergy power line while cleaning.

Jay Lefort and Darlene Lefort, individually and on behalf of their son and other children, filed suit against Entergy Corporation, Entergy Services Inc., Entergy Gulf States Louisiana LLC, Entergy Louisiana LLC, Entergy New Orleans Inc. and Aegis Insurance Services LTD in the Orleans Parish Civil District Court on April 2.

The plaintiffs say their son was using a pool net to collect leaves out of his father's pool when the aluminum rod attached to the net allegedly struck a charged power line directly above his head on Jan. 24. The electric charge had the immediate effect of rendering the petitioner unconscious, the suit says.

The petitioners contend their son sustained heart and liver damage and severe burns to his hands and feet as a result of the incident.

The defendants are accused of failing to insulate the power line, failing to warn of a non-insulated power line, failing to properly arrange the power line and supporting posts, failing to secure the power line and supporting posts, failing to warn of a hazardous condition and failing to follow safety protocol.

The plaintiff is seeking an unspecified amount in damages for mental agony, pain and suffering, emotional turmoil, disabilities, loss of enjoyment of life, decline in future income, permanent scarring and medical expenses.

The plaintiffs are, individually and on behalf of their child, also seeking a subsequent amount in damages for loss of consortium.

The plaintiff is represented by Joseph E. “Jed” Cain, Herbert A. Cade and Patrick R. Busby of Herman Herman & Katz LLC.

The case has been assigned to Div. L Chief Judge Kern A. Reese.

Case no. 2015-03117.