Guided by the legal representation of Clete Blakeman, a $2,230,000.00 settlement was achieved for the family of a young Iowa man who tragically died as the result of injuries sustained from an electrical accident.

In August of 1999, Michael Bollinger, 28 years old, was one of several workers replacing wooden utility poles along a rural Iowa highway.  The poles held 7,200 volt electric power cables. Clete Blakeman said, “Prior to the accident, the power companies controlling the lines were specifically requested to de-energize the lines for the safety of the crew.  Indeed, the power at the site was shut down at one time.  However, the lines were re-energized by an employee of the power company who, acting alone, physically reconnected the power cables in a utility box at the project site.  The overhead electric power lines were reenergized without any type of notice or warning to the crew and no other person associated with the project was ever advised that power had been restored to the lines.”

As Michael was attempting to retrieve one of the 7,200 volt power cables that had been unhooked from the power pole, he was electrocuted and sustained severe first, second and third degree burn injuries to over 20% of his body.   Michael was transported to a hospital burn unit where he received medical treatment, including multiple skin graft surgeries, until his death 24 days later.

The $2,230,000.00 cash settlement will go to benefit Michael’s surviving family members, including his 26-year-old wife and three young children, ages 11, 5, and 3.