Parents blame employer for son's death

The parents of a deceased man who was electrocuted after allegedly being placed on live wires blame his employer for causing his death.

Dennis Deen Charters and Cathy Charters filed a lawsuit Sept. 11 in Jefferson County District Court against Source Helicopters, Rogers Helicopters and Lou Woodward.

In their complaint, the Charters allege their son, Dennis Wade Charters was an electrical lineman who was working for defendant Source when he was sent to work on transmission lines on an electricity tower Sept. 15, 2013.

"A helicopter owned and/or maintained and/or operated and/or controlled by defendants Source lowered decedent onto the tower," the suit states. "Decedent came into contact with an energized wire causing significant injuries to Dennis Wade Charters resulting in his subsequent death."

At the time of his death, Dennis Wade Charters was 24. Before his death, he suffered physical pain and mental anguish, the complaint says. His parents allege they lost his love, comfort, companionship, society, care, maintenance, support, services, advice and counsel.

They blame the defendants for causing their son's death, saying the companies negligently failed to ensure a job briefing was conducted that addressed the hazards associated with the job, failed to provide a safe place to work, failed to determine existing conditions related to the safety of the job and failed to ensure their employees were adequately trained.

In their complaint, the plaintiffs seek a judgment of more than $1 million, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just.

Richard Warren Mithoff, Janie L. Jordan and Warner V. Hocker of Mithoff Law in Houston will represent the the family.

Jefferson County District Court case number: B196-107