Virginia Electric & Power Co. v. Winesett

Anna Ruth Winesett, Administratrix of the Estate of James Woodrow Winesett, deceased, filed a motion for judgment for damages against Virginia Electric and Power Company (Vepco). The administratrix alleged that Vepco’s negligent operation and maintenance of certain electric distribution wires had caused the death by electrocution of her husband while he was trimming a tree on private property. In a jury trial, a verdict was returned in favor of the administratrix in the amount of $182,796, to be apportioned as therein specified; the trial court entered judgment on the verdict.

We granted Vepco…