Jury Orders Qwest to Pay Man $39.5 Million

Written by Dan Boniface, 9News, May 25, 2007
DENVER – A jury awarded what just may be the largest personal injury award in Colorado history on Thursday.

A Denver district court jury awarded former Xcel lineman Andrew Blood $39.5 million in a verdict against Qwest. Blood was paralyzed back in 2004 when a utility pole collapsed beneath him at the intersection of 58th and Pecos. Qwest owned the pole that collapsed.As part of a joint-use agreement with Xcel Energy, Qwest was obligated to inspect, maintain and repair utility poles. Qwest had apparently not inspected any of their 150,000 poles in more than 40 years. Blood says Thursday's verdict sends a clear message. "There's tons of people out there," said Blood. "There's not only their employees, Xcel Energy employees, but the public; the safety of all of us. You know they need to look out for everyone and do their job."
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Colorado Governmental Immunity Act

The Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA) provides immunity from suit to the State of Colorado, subsidiaries of the state, such as universities and colleges, special districts and municipalities. However, immunity has been waived in certain instances. As a result, an injured party may bring an action against the State of Colorado for injuries occurring as result of these specific instances, which include: operation of motor vehicles, operation of public hospitals, correctional facilities and jails and the existence of some dangerous conditions.

In circumstances where a person sustains an injury as a result of the negligence of the state, or the employees of the state, there are very specific steps an injured person must take to satisfy the CGIA. Failure to comply with the requirements of the CGIA will result in the claim being barred forever.

In order to satisfy the CGIA an injured party must put the appropriate governmental entities on notice within 180 days of the date of the incident. The appropriate governmental entities depend on the specific governmental body involved in the incident. The CGIA also sets forth specific requirements for the content of the governmental notice.

If you believe you have been injured by an entity of the State of Colorado it is imperative that you contact an attorney immediately to ensure that your rights are protected and the requirements of the CGIA are satisfied. There are many other important elements of the CGIA, including limitations on damages, that are not discussed here.

Colorado Citizens for Accountability

Colorado Citizens for Accountability is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to providing education to healthcare consumers, advocating for necessary changes in the healthcare system and protecting the right to equal access to the justice system for those who have suffered personal injuries. CCA was founded in 2004 by Patricia and David Skolnik after they lost their only son to a medical error. Since its inception CCA has worked tirelessly to represent consumers and educate the public on a variety of consumer issues.

Visit CCA at http://www.coloradocitizensforaccountability.org

Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act

House Bill 1331 – The Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act. During the 2006-2007 Colorado Legislative Session Representative Morgan Carroll and Senator Lois Tochtrop sponsored HB 1331 – The Michael Skolnik Medical Transparency Act. This bill requires the Board of Medical Examiners post important information on their website about all physicians in Colorado. Beginning January 1, 2008, consumers will be able to go to the Board of Medical Examiners website and locate important information about physicians, such as, medical malpractice judgments, medical malpractice settlements and all disciplinary actions in any of the 50 states. HB 1331 passed through the State Legislature and is expected to be signed by Governor Ritter in the next 30 days. HB 1331 is named in memory of Michael Skolnik, the son of Patricia and David Skolnik, founders of Colorado Citizens for Accountability.