CLEVELAND, Ohio– The FOX 8 I-Team has uncovered a huge settlement in a lawsuit that left a young girl permanently disabled after she touched a downed power line.
Court records show a proposed settlement of $60 million.
Twelve-year-old Gasia Thomas was shocked and suffered brain damage, and permanent serious injuries when she touched a downed power line. It happened on Cleveland’s east side back in 2012 after Superstorm Sandy.
A settlement proposal filed in court shows “The defendants…agreed to resolve all claims for the sum of $60 million…” That refers to claims against the power companies CEI and its parent, FirstEnergy.
Court records show the proposed breakdown of the settlement includes more than $34 million for the child, $4 million to her mother, $20 million to the attorneys, more than $821,000 for medical bills, plus $400,000 for a sibling.
Earlier, the City of Cleveland reached a settlement for $700,000.
This newly-filed proposed settlement still must be approved by the Cuyahoga County Probate Court.
Lawyers earlier wrote in documents that Gasia needs round-the-clock care and will need extensive care for the rest of her life.
A hearing has been set for next month.
The law firm for the family and FirstEnergy both confirmed the settlement but had no other comment.
