Tragic Settlement: Family of Teacher Receives $30 Million

Wagener, South Carolina – Family of Teacher Settles Lawsuit for $30 Million

The family of Jeunelle Robinson, a 31-year-old teacher tragically killed last year by a utility pole, has reached a significant settlement. Attorneys confirmed that the family settled their lawsuit against Dominion Energy and Comporium for $30 million. This settlement comes after a devastating incident that occurred on August 23, 2023, in Wagener.

Incident Details

Jeunelle Robinson was walking along Main Street when a tractor trailer struck a low-hanging utility line. This action caused a chain reaction that resulted in eight utility poles being uprooted. One of these flew through the air and struck Robinson, leading to severe injuries from blunt force trauma. Sadly, Robinson later died from these injuries.

In response to this tragedy, Robinson’s family filed a lawsuit against the utility companies on March 11, 2024, after reaching a prior settlement with the tractor trailer’s company, the details of which were not disclosed. Originally, the family sought a total of $130 million in damages, but they eventually settled for a considerably lower amount.

Closure for the Family

The settlement was reached just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Robinson’s death. Attorney Justin Bamberg, representing the family, emphasized that they chose to settle to honor Jeunelle’s memory and to gain some level of closure. “Although nothing can bring Jeunelle back to her family, we are pleased to have reached this resolution,” said Bamberg. He also expressed gratitude towards Dominion and Comporium for their cooperation in avoiding an arduous court battle.

Focus on Rural Safety

Bamberg underscored the need for greater attention towards safety standards in rural areas, such as the maintenance of utility poles. “We are focused on protecting rural areas that are often overlooked by utility and power companies around the country,” he noted. The hope is that this unfortunate incident will lead to better maintenance and safety practices moving forward.

Creating a Legacy

In an effort to honor Jeunelle Robinson’s passion for education, her family is collaborating with Bamberg Legal to establish the “Jeunelle Robinson Teacher’s Hope Fund.” This fund aims to support teachers throughout South Carolina and beyond by providing essential school supplies and resources. It is especially meaningful as Jeunelle was known to often purchase teaching supplies out of her own pocket to ensure her students had the best possible learning experience.

While the family and their attorney have chosen not to make additional comments, this settlement marks an important development in their journey through grief and healing. The focus now shifts to building a legacy that reflects Jeunelle’s dedication to her students and the teaching profession.

Additional Information

As the case concludes, the family hopes to see enhanced safety measures in place for the future. This tragic incident has sparked broader discussions about the responsibilities of utility companies in maintaining safe infrastructure, particularly in rural communities.

Through initiatives like the Teacher’s Hope Fund, the Robinson family continues to provide valuable support to educators, ensuring that Jeunelle’s spirit and commitment to education live on in the lives of her students.