In a compelling legal confrontation, a local enterprise has taken a major electric utility company to court over allegations of negligence that resulted in significant damages. On November 13, 2024, Donald C. Scroggins, representing Scroggins Enterprise, filed a lawsuit against Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The case centers around claims that SWEPCO's failure to properly maintain power lines led to severe financial and physical repercussions for Scroggins Enterprise.
The complaint details how SWEPCO allegedly neglected its duty to ensure the safety and maintenance of its power lines, which are supposed to be safeguarded from sagging or hanging too low. This oversight reportedly resulted in an incident on April 8, 2024, when Scroggins Enterprise was servicing a property owned by Dr. Roderick Hope at 3540 Elon St., Shreveport. Despite assurances from SWEPCO that the power lines were no longer active, an encounter with these lines led to an accident involving Donald C. Scroggins and his employees Clint Michel and Marlon Brown.
According to the filing, as Donald operated equipment near the back of Dr. Hope's property where the SWEPCO lines were installed, contact with these lines caused a spark and subsequent fire. The situation escalated quickly as Donald was ejected from his mower due to the electrical contact, leading to both personal injury and damage to equipment. The aftermath included burned wires and continued live electricity until a SWEPCO representative arrived on-site to disconnect them.
Scroggins' legal argument is rooted in claims of negligence by SWEPCO for failing to uphold their responsibility in maintaining safe conditions for public utilities—a breach they argue directly caused harm and financial loss exceeding $35,000. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages totaling at least $64,280 for various incurred costs including medical treatment, equipment damage, rental expenses for replacement machinery, lost wages due to operational disruptions, and physical pain endured by Donald.
Additionally, punitive damages amounting to not less than $40,000 are sought as a means of holding SWEPCO accountable for their alleged negligence alongside nominal damages valued at $2,000. Beyond these monetary compensations, Scroggins Enterprise requests further relief deemed appropriate by the court including pre-judgment interest and coverage of attorney fees.
Representing Scroggins Enterprise is Fairade’ Dorsey who acts as an assistant within the company’s legal pursuits. The case is filed under Case ID: 5:24-cv-01568 but does not list specific attorneys or judges involved beyond Dorsey's role.