Aiken County Teacher’s Family Settles Case for $30 Million
WAGENER, SC – The family of Jeunelle Robinson, a 31-year-old teacher who tragically lost her life due to an accident involving a utility pole, has reached a settlement with Dominion Energy and Comporium worth $30 million. Robinson, a social studies instructor at Wagener-Salley High School, was gravely injured while walking along Main Street on August 23, 2023.
The Incident
According to legal representatives, the unfortunate incident occurred when a tractor trailer struck a low-hanging overhead utility line. This accident resulted in the uprooting of eight utility poles. One of these poles was propelled through the air by the impact, striking Robinson, which led to her severe injuries.
Following the incident, Robinson was rushed to a medical facility where she later succumbed to her injuries, which were confirmed to be caused by blunt force trauma.
Legal Actions Taken
In March, Robinson’s family initiated legal proceedings against Dominion Energy and Comporium. They had already settled with the tractor trailer company prior to filing the suit. Last week, a resolution of this case was confirmed, settling all claims against the two utility companies.
Initially, the family was seeking $130 million in damages, but eventually, they opted to settle for a lesser amount as the one-year anniversary of their daughter’s tragic death approached. According to attorney Justin Bamberg, the family’s decision was influenced by a desire to honor Robinson’s memory and to find closure.
Statement from the Family’s Attorney
In a statement released after the settlement, Bamberg said, “Although nothing can bring Jeunelle back to her family, we are pleased to have reached this resolution with the parties involved. We appreciate the leadership of Dominion and Comporium for working with us to ensure Jeunelle’s family would not have to relive this tragedy in court unnecessarily.”
He also emphasized the importance of focusing on the safety and maintenance of utility poles in rural areas, stating that this tragic situation could prompt further attention to the matter nationwide.
Creating a Legacy
The Robinson family is partnering with Bamberg to establish the “Jeunelle Robinson Teacher’s Hope Fund.” This initiative aims to provide essential school supplies and resources to teachers across South Carolina and the country. According to the release, Robinson was known for frequently spending her own money on teaching materials to enhance her students’ educational experiences.
The family and Bamberg Legal have decided not to make any further comments regarding the settlement.
Looking Ahead
The case sparked public interest, highlighting broader issues about safety standards for utility lines. It also raised awareness about the risks that teachers and students may face in their daily lives, especially in rural areas where infrastructure may not be as robust or well-maintained.
The settlement, although a poignant conclusion to a heartbreaking situation, reflects a commitment to honor Jeunelle Robinson’s legacy by supporting education and improving safety for those in her community.
As the family mourns their loss, they also carry forward the hope that changes can be made to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
