Widow sues husband’s employer citing wrongful death in electrocution

A woman brought a lawsuit against a Delaware company on grounds of alleged negligence in 2014.

Amanda D. Siler filed suit against Vyve Broadband LLC in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas May 14, claiming breach of duty in October 2014.

According to the filing, Paul Siler, an employee of the defendant, was electrocuted and killed in an incident on Interstate 30 in Bowie County on Oct. 14, 2014 when a high-voltage power line came into contact with him.

Siler was acting within the scope of his employment duties at the time of the accident, the suit states.

The suit argues that Vyve failed to fulfill its obligations and allowed a dangerous work environment to injure Siler, citing uninsulated equipment, failed procedure and policy implementation.

The complaint asserts that the defendant breached its duty to provide a safe workplace, abide by safety rules and regulations, furnish proper equipment, machinery and tools and select competent employees.

Alleging violation of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the lawsuit contends that Vyve failed to enforce policies ensuring that no employee contacts electrically energized overhead power lines.

Citing loss of companionship, mental anguish and loss of inheritance, Amanda Siler seeks compensation exceeding $75,000 in exemplary and/or punitive damages; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses, and costs.

She is represented by Frank Branson and Thomas Farmer of The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson in Dallas; and Brent Langdon and Kyle Davis of Langdon Davis in Texarkana/New Boston.

Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas Case 5:15-cv-00046-RWS-CMC