Man claiming shock from falling wire sues Tampa Electric Co.

TAMPA — Diego Santiago was outside talking to acquaintances under a Plant City light post early last year when a live electrical wire fell and shocked him, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday against Tampa Electric Co.

He was unconscious for 10 minutes or more, Santiago says in the suit. He claims severe permanent personal injuries, including blurry vision, dizzy spells, headaches, a disc bulge and protrusions, as well as mental and emotional trauma affecting personal enjoyment and daily activities. He seeks more than $15,000 in damages.

Tampa Electric owns both the light pole and electrical transformer. The lawsuit alleges that Tampa Electric "knew of or should have known of the existence of this dangerous and defective condition and should have taken the necessary steps to correct this hazard."

The company cannot comment on pending legal matters, said spokesman Rick Morera.

Stephanie Bolling can be reached at sbolling@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3408.