Lawsuit Claims ERCOT, Texas Power Company's Neglect, Poor Winter Storm Response Caused Houston Man's Death

Rhea-AI Summary

A lawsuit has been filed against ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy (CNP) following the death of a 95-year-old Houston man, Doyle Aron Austin, during a winter storm-related blackout. The lawsuit, initiated by Austin's family, claims the companies neglected infrastructure and failed to prepare for the storm, despite accurate weather predictions. As temperatures plummeted, Austin succumbed to the cold after more than two days without electricity or gas. The lawsuit seeks accountability for the companies' actions during this public health emergency, which disproportionately affected low-income areas.

Positive

• The lawsuit represents one of the first known legal actions related to the Texas power outage, potentially prompting greater scrutiny and improvement in energy infrastructure.
• The Cochran Firm's involvement may signify a strong legal case given their reputation in handling wrongful death cases.

Negative

• Allegations of severe negligence by ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy could lead to significant financial liabilities.
• The lawsuit highlights a failure to act on past recommendations for winterizing infrastructure, indicating systemic issues that might affect future operations.

HOUSTON, Feb. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The family of a 95-year-old Houston man who died in his frigid home after spending more than two days without electricity or natural gas has filed a lawsuit against electricity grid manager ERCOT and electricity transmission company CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP).

The lawsuit filed by The Cochran Firm charges that the companies' neglect of infrastructure, failure to prepare for the predicted spike in energy use during last week's winter storm and inability to provide services during the resulting blackout are to blame for his death.

Before the power outage Feb. 14, Doyle Aron Austin was strong and in good health, a resilient man born and raised in the historically African-American community of Acres Homes in northwest Houston. During the blackout, the temperature dropped as low as 11 degrees outside and to 40 degrees or less inside Mr. Austin's home. He was visibly shivering as friends and family banded together to provide blankets, alternative heat sources and comfort. On Tuesday, Mr. Austin was unresponsive and was pronounced dead by emergency responders.

Similar public health emergencies played out throughout the state, although residents of historically underserved lower-income neighborhoods like Acres Homes were among those hit the hardest, said trial lawyer Larry Taylor, managing partner of The Cochran Firm in Houston and Dallas. Mr. Taylor also has deep family roots in Acres Homes.

"This shouldn't happen to anyone, whether you're in rural or urban America," Mr. Taylor said. "This lawsuit is about us getting answers and accountability for people to make sure this never happens again."

According to the lawsuit, electricity grid manager Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and CenterPoint disregarded recommendations following a federal investigation of similar grid failures in 2011 and 1989. Last week's storm was accurately predicted days in advance, yet the companies did not make adequate efforts to winterize equipment and activate reserve power. When the grid began to fail, the companies did not manage the blackouts.

"Ample warnings were not enough for these companies to do the right thing," Mr. Taylor said. "Sadly, we now have to ask a jury to hold these companies accountable."

The lawsuit is Linda Brown, individually, as next kin of Doyle Aron Austin vs. Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., and CenterPoint Energy, Inc., filed in Harris County district court. In addition to The Cochran Firm, the plaintiffs are represented by Fears Nachawati Law Firm and Watts Guerra LLP.

The trial lawyers at The Cochran Firm filed one of the first known lawsuits in the nation arising from the Texas power outage. Firm managing partner Larry Taylor is recognized nationally as a top wrongful death attorney, and his firm also represents homeowners, property and business owners who sustained property damage or incurred business losses due to the widespread blackouts. For more information, visit https://cochranfirm.com/ or call 800-843-3476.

Media Contact:
Robert Tharp
214-458-4007
Robert@androvett.com

 

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SOURCE The Cochran Firm

FAQ

What companies are involved in the lawsuit related to the Houston man's death?

The lawsuit involves ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy (CNP).

When was the lawsuit filed against ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy?

The lawsuit was filed on February 22, 2021.

What were the reasons for the lawsuit against ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy?

The lawsuit claims negligence in infrastructure management and failure to prepare for the winter storm that caused a prolonged blackout.

Who filed the lawsuit against ERCOT and CenterPoint Energy?

The lawsuit was filed by the family of Doyle Aron Austin, represented by The Cochran Firm.

What was the impact of the power outage on the Houston community?

The power outage had a significant negative impact, particularly on historically underserved lower-income neighborhoods.