A Texas jury has awarded more than $15.6 million to the families of victims of a deadly electrical accident that occurred in May 2017. This is said to be the largest verdict on an injury or wrongful death case in Grayson County’s history.
When Kiley Russell, Jackson Wells, and Devin Schares were attempting to move a flagpole at the River Ranch Apartments in Sherman, Texas, the pole came into contact with live electricity wires. The electrocution killed Russell and injured Wells and Schares.
The jury found in a 10-2 verdict that Monticello Asset Management Inc. negligently placed a flag pole too close to overhead power lines, which was a proximate cause of the fatal accident.
Russell’s widow and two sons were awarded a total of $10.5 million for their past and future loss of companionship and mental anguish. The jury also awarded Wells approximately $2.4 million and Schares approximately $2.6 million in damages and lost wages.
Russell's family is represented by Jason B. Stephens of Stephens Law Firm PLLC.
Wells and Schares are represented by William P. Kennedy and Joan E. Ballard of Bill Kennedy Law PLLC.