ERIE — A couple are suing an electrical contractor, citing alleged negligence and loss of consortium.
Chase Olsen and Sherree Olsen filed a complaint on Sept. 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania Erie Division against J.W. Didado Electric LLC, alleging the defendant breached their duty of care in their exercise of control over the power lines they were working to avoid the crash.
According to the complaint, on April 8, Chase Olsen was working with defendant as a High Line Helicopters pilot when a high-voltage power line that defendant had been working on caused to not only drop but launch and immediately pull the helicopter Chase was piloting, causing a violent collision.
In the aftermath, Chase Olsen has undergone extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, which caused Sherree Olsen to lose the companionship of her husband.
The plaintiffs holds J.W. Didado Electric LLC responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to establish adequate safety procedures and/or enforce policies for its linemen, including protocol for linemen performing work from the skid of a helicopter.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment for actual and special damages, reimbursement of costs and expenses, pre and post-judgment interest, and any further relief to which plaintiffs are entitled to, at law or equity. They are represented by S.E. Riley Jr. of Conner Riley Friedman & Weichler in Erie.
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania Erie Division Case No. is 1:18cv292.