Woman who lost arm, leg settles suit against utility

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City Power & Light Co., its parent company and a parts supplier paid $12 million to settle a lawsuit by a woman who was nearly killed by a downed power line.

Melanie Monroe, who lost an arm and leg when the line fell on her after a massive ice storm last year, grinned weakly as she left the Jackson County courtroom.

"It was a godsend," Monroe said. "But I'd give it all back if I could have my arm and leg back."

Monroe sued Kansas City Power & Light, Great Plains Energy Inc., and parts supplier Hubbell Power Systems Inc. after being injured Feb. 2, 2002. She and her family were loading laundry into her car when a power line snapped and fell on Monroe, her husband and her two children.

The line burned Monroe over half her body, and doctors had to amputate her right arm and leg to save her life. The other family members suffered shocks, but not as severely.

The lawsuit contended that the line fell because KCP&L improperly secured it with a clamp intended for temporary repairs. The company contended the line fell because the connection had been weakened by the massive ice storm.

The companies assumed no liability in the settlement.

KCP&L and Great Plains spokesman Tom Robinson said the companies played no role in the unfortunate event.

The attorney for Hubbell Power Systems of Centralia declined to comment.

Anita Porte Robb, attorney for the Monroe family, praised the companies for a quick settlement.

Before the accident, Monroe worked in data entry for a bank. Her burns were so serious that she has not been able to use prosthetic limbs, Robb said.

"She hopes to walk again with a prosthetic leg," Robb said.

On Christmas Eve, Monroe's injuries prompted hundreds of strangers to build a 500-square-foot bedroom addition that was accessible to her wheelchair.