Stephens v. Sho-Me Power Corp.

This is a companion case to Cahill v. Sho-Me Power Corporation, 656 S.W.2d 327 (Mo.App.1983). For an understanding of this opinion, the opinion in that case must be first read. The basic facts are as follows. Plaintiff Ronald J. Stephens and fellow employee Cahill were attempting to erect an aluminum flagpole in a commercial area in the vicinity of a 69,000 volt electric transmission line of Sho-Me. When the two men were “walking” the flagpole to an upright position, it came into contact with or very close to the transmission line. The current coursed through the flagpole and both employees…