$109 million verdict in W. Pa. power-line death

The family of a Western Pennsylvania woman killed by a fallen power line was awarded $109 million by a Pittsburgh jury Thursday.

Carrie Goretzka, 39, of Irwin, died three days after being struck by the power line in 2009. The family filed suit against West Penn Power Co. and was represented by Philadelphia lawyer Shanin Specter.

The jury awarded $48 million in compensatory damages and $61 million in punitive damages to the family.

Jurors also awarded $1 million to Joanne Goretzka, who burned her hands trying to help her daughter-in-law. - Robert Moran