The Parents Of An Amazon Employee Killed In A Tornado Have Filed A Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against The Company

The parents of an Amazon employee killed in a tornado that struck the facility have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company

When a tornado ripped through an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, killing six people, Austin McEwen's parents announced Monday that they are suing the company for what they claim is wrongful death. Austin's parents were among the six people killed in the tornado last month.

His parents claim that Amazon, as well as a construction company and real estate developer associated with the facility that sustained significant structural damage following an EF-3 tornado on December 10, 2021, failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent workers like their son from being injured or killed as a result of the negligence of those in charge of the facility.

According to a copy of the lawsuit provided by Clifford Law Offices, which represents the McEwens, McEwen, a 26-year-old independent contractor for Amazon (AMZN), sought refuge in the facility's bathroom after being attacked.

Words from Austin's mother

During the press conference, Alice McEwen, Austin's mother and executor of his estate, stated that Amazon chose not to evacuate workers from the facility in a timely manner in order to keep them working on orders.

According to her, "It appears that Amazon placed profits above the safety of our son and the other five families who have lost loved ones during this holiday season."

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told CNN Business Monday that the company will defend itself against the lawsuit, and that the company's "focus remains on supporting our employees and partners, the families who have lost loved ones, the surrounding community, and all those affected by the tornadoes." "Our employees and partners, the families who have lost loved ones, the surrounding community, and all those affected by the tornadoes," she added.

"The lawsuit misunderstands critical facts, such as the distinction between various types of severe weather and tornado warnings, as well as the building's condition and safety," Nantel asserted in its response. Moreover, while severe weather warnings are common in the area, she pointed out that businesses are not typically closed in anticipation of severe storms.

Comment from Amazon representative

A representative from Amazon declined to comment further on whether some employees, such as McEwen, were directed to seek refuge in a restroom.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation into the collapse of the Edwardsville facility last month. OSHA, the federal agency in charge of investigating incidents involving workplace safety, has six months to complete the investigation.

In an interview with CNN Business Monday, Jack Casciato, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, stated that "even as early as December 9, it was very clear that this area of Southwestern Illinois was at risk of a tornado," and that the warning would intensify throughout the day.

According to the report, "Amazon will be required to respond to the following question: 'Why were these employees present at this facility?" As Casciato previously stated.