Brandon Yosha
$20.3 Million Jury Verdict Secured Against Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL)
March 6, 2026 ||
Yosha Law proudly announces a $20.3 million jury verdict secured against Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL) arising from a catastrophic electrical injury that permanently altered the life of a hardworking Hoosier and his family. The verdict stands as a powerful statement of accountability, corporate responsibility, and the jury’s commitment to full justice.
The case arose from a March 6, 2014 incident at IPL’s Petersburg Power Plant, where the plaintiff—then a healthy 41-year-old contractor—was electrocuted while performing assigned work. IPL issued a dig permit that failed to identify known underground electrical hazards and relied on inaccurate plant drawings, leaving live 4,160-volt electrical lines buried less than one foot beneath the surface. When the plaintiff struck the conduit, the resulting explosion and arc blast caused devastating, permanent injuries.
Now 46 years old, the plaintiff has endured more than a decade of continuous medical care and pain management. He suffers from chronic pain, neurological deficits, permanent tinnitus, and lifelong physical limitations that prevent him from returning to work or sleeping through the night. His wife has remained by his side throughout the ordeal, accompanying him to hundreds of medical appointments and sharing the daily burden of a life forever changed.
Despite the severity of these injuries, IPL attempted to minimize the harm—offering just $50,000 at mediation and $500,000 on the eve of trial. The plaintiff’s trial team refused to compromise.
After a two-week jury trial conducted under extraordinary COVID-era conditions, the jury returned a $20.3 million verdict. The result was driven by a disciplined, story-based approach to liability and damages. Central to the damages argument was a simple question posed to jurors: If the plaintiff had been offered $30 million the day before his injury—on the condition he would live the rest of his life in chronic pain, unable to work, sleep, or enjoy his family—would he have taken it? The answer was clear. As Brandon Yosha reminded the jury in closing, verdicts are not “large” or “small”—they are only just or unjust.
The verdict reflects the jury’s rejection of corporate minimization tactics and recognition of the true human cost of this injury. It also underscores the importance of preparation, teamwork, and courage in the courtroom. Admitted to practice for just five weeks at the time of trial, Brandon Yosha sought guidance from nationally acclaimed trial lawyer Nick Rowley, who worked closely with Brandon to refine his opening statement and final argument. Jakob Norman and Nick Coccimiglio also traveled to Indianapolis to assist in trial preparation. Rowley asked for nothing in return and was proud to see full justice delivered for the Simmons family so early in Brandon’s career.
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