Electrocution Death of Pittsburg Sgt, Military and Contractor Faulted
A report said multiple failings led to a Green Beret's death in Iraq. According to this article by the Associated Press on Philly.com, the Defense Department’s inspector general determined that military leaders and a major military contractor failed to protect a Green Beret who was electrocuted while showering in his barracks in Iraq.
The Staff Sgt.’s wrongful death triggered an investigation, as well as a review of 17 other electrocutions in Iraq. He was a 24-year-old from Pittsburgh, PA. It also led to the ongoing electrical inspections of about 90,000 U.S.-maintained facilities in Iraq.
The inspector general’s found that “multiple systems and organizations” failed and exposed the Sgt. to “unacceptable risk.”
The man was electrocuted while showering when he came in contact with an energized metal shower and hose caused by the failure of an ungrounded water pump located on the roof of the building. The Houston-based military contractor KBR, Inc. installed the pump and adjacent water tanks.
KBR did not ground equipment during installation or report improperly grounded equipment during routine maintenance and KBR did not have standard operating procedures for the technical inspection of facilities.
According to the article, military commanders and key decision-makers failed to ensure that renovations were properly performed and did not address the maintenance situation. The Sgt.’s family has filed a lawsuit against KBR.
When needless death occurs due to the negligence of another party, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed. In these lawsuits, the decedent’s heirs sue the negligent party or parties for damages related to the loss of life and their own pain and suffering. It is recommended that families who think their family member’s death was wrongful first contact a wrongful death attorney for a case assessment. If the case is valid, the attorney can help investigate the claim, gather evidence, represent them in court, and collect the compensation they deserve.
The attorneys at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano understand the devastating impact a Pennsylvania wrongful death can have on a family. They can help you find justice and compensation for your loved one’s death. Your case consultation with one of the experienced Philadelphia wrongful death attorneys is free of charge and completely confidential.
