Father answers son's electrical shock suit

A new defendant, who just happens to be the father of the plaintiff, recently answered an electrical shock suit originally brought against Entergy Texas.

As previously reported, Tammy Barnette Becker, on behalf of her minor son, Brandon Reid Barnette, sued Entergy in January 2009, alleging he received an electrical shock because of a low-hanging power line.

In her suit, Becker claims that on Oct. 24, 2008, her son was working on top of a fence in his backyard when he lost his balance and instinctively reached his hands up to regain his balance and came in contact with the power line.

On Feb. 28 the plaintiffs amended their petition to include defendant Barry Barnette, Brandon Barnette's father, court records show.

Barry Barnette filed an answer to the suit on March 3, asserting the doctrine of parental immunity as a defense.

The plaintiffs are seeking an award for Brandon's alleged mental anguish and medical expenses.

Adam Terrell of Weller, Green, Toups and Terrell of Beaumont represent the plaintiffs.

Barry is represented by Houston attorney Robert McCabe.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, is presiding over the litigation.

Case No. D183-146