BURLINGTON, Vt. — A Vermont utility lineman who lost both of his legs in an accident at a Richford substation has won a $22 million verdict.

A lawyer for Michael Hemond says the jury returned the verdict Friday afternoon after a three-week trial.

Hemond had sued Frontier Communications of America, Inc., saying it was negligent in the design of the electrical substation and the choice of some high-voltage switches. Maine lawyer Benjamin Gideon says Hemond was severely injured when he tried to open one of those switches in 2006. He had to have both legs amputated below the knee.

The substation was owned by Citizens Energy Services at the time of the accident.

A spokesman for Frontier Communications did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.


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