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NJ jury: fire department responsible for injuries from power line

Jury awarded $20.5 million to Tinton Falls man who lost arm and leg after stepping on live electrical wires that had fallen on his driveway during a storm

By Stephanie Loder
The Asbury Park Press

TINTON FALLS, N.J. — A jury awarded $20.5 million in damages Friday case in which a Tinton Falls man lost an arm and a leg in 2007 after stepping on live electrical wires that had fallen on his driveway during a storm.

William Hagerman Jr., 52, of Pear Street was awarded $18.5 million and his wife, Patricia, was awarded $2 million, according to attorney Norman Hobbie of Eatontown who represented William Hagerman.

A jury deliberated more than five hours before they returned the unannimous verdict that found Jersey Central Power & Light Co. 40 percent responsible for the injuries and the Northside Engine Company, a fire company in Tinton Falls, 60 percent responsible, according to Hobbie.

Full story: Tinton Falls couple wins $20.5 million award in downed wire case