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Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Employee killed in Hurricane Helene Flooding

Can you imagine being forced to stay at work, even as floodwaters rise around you? That’s the nightmare scenario that unfolded for employees at Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, when Hurricane Helene hit. The family of Johnny Peterson, one of the employees who tragically lost his life in the flooding, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company, alleging that managers knew the conditions were dangerous but failed to act.

According to reports, employees at Impact Plastics were not allowed to leave the plant in time to avoid the storm’s impact. It wasn’t until the water had flooded the parking lot and the power went out that managers finally sent workers home. By then, it was too late for many, including Peterson, who bravely tried to help his colleagues but ultimately became trapped himself.

The lawsuit claims that Impact Plastics had no evacuation plan in place, despite the plant being located in a flood plain and regularly experiencing flooding in the parking lot. While other businesses and schools in the area closed due to the hurricane, Impact Plastics allegedly kept its employees working to meet order deadlines.

As the waters rose and employees scrambled for safety, senior management reportedly left the building, leaving workers to fend for themselves. Peterson’s final moments, as detailed in the lawsuit, are heartbreaking – from his last text messages to his daughter to his desperate attempts to reach emergency services as the floodwaters engulfed him.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is looking into the allegations against Impact Plastics, while the state’s workplace safety office has also launched an investigation. The company maintains that employees were evacuated before the worst of the flood hit, but the lawsuit tells a different story.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and the need for employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees above all else. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives in this devastating flood.

What led to the filing of the wrongful death lawsuit?

The family of Johnny Peterson, an Impact Plastics employee who tragically lost his life during the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the company. They argue that workers, including Peterson, were forced to stay at their posts even when managers were aware that conditions were becoming dangerous. This lawsuit sheds light on the negligence that may have contributed to the devastating loss of lives.

What were the circumstances surrounding the tragic event?

On September 27, when Hurricane Helene’s flooding hit Erwin, Tennessee, many Impact Plastics employees, including Johnny Peterson, found themselves trapped at the plant. They were not allowed to leave in time to avoid the storm’s impact. As a result, 11 people were swept away by the raging waters, with only five being rescued. The survivors have recounted their harrowing experiences of being unable to leave the plant until it was too late.

How did Impact Plastics respond to the unfolding crisis?

The lawsuit reveals that Impact Plastics failed to have a required plan in place to safely evacuate employees, despite being located in a flood plain and experiencing water creeping into its parking lot regularly. While other businesses and schools announced closures due to the impending hurricane, Impact Plastics instructed its employees to report to work to meet order deadlines. This decision ultimately put the lives of employees at risk, leading to a tragic outcome.

What were Johnny Peterson’s final moments?

As the flood waters continued to rise, Johnny Peterson found himself trapped along with other employees at the plant. He attempted to help those inside before realizing the severity of the situation. Peterson managed to climb onto a semi-trailer in a desperate attempt to escape the rising waters. His final text messages to his family reveal his fears and the heartbreaking realization that he might not survive the ordeal.

What actions have been taken since the incident?

Following the tragic event, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the allegations surrounding Impact Plastics at the direction of the local prosecutor. Additionally, the state’s workplace safety office has opened its probe into the circumstances behind the deaths. The lawsuit aims to hold Impact Plastics and company owner Gerald O’Connor accountable for their role in the preventable tragedy.

What are the responses from Impact Plastics and Gerald O’Connor?

Impact Plastics has maintained that they monitored weather conditions on the day of the flooding and dismissed employees when the water began to cover the parking lot and the plant lost power. Gerald O’Connor has claimed that no employees were forced to keep working and that they were evacuated at least 45 minutes before the flood hit the industrial park. These statements are in contrast to the accounts provided by surviving employees and the details outlined in the lawsuit.

In conclusion, the wrongful death lawsuit filed by Johnny Peterson’s family sheds light on the negligence and lack of preparedness that may have contributed to the tragic loss of lives during the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. The legal proceedings aim to seek justice for the victims and hold accountable those responsible for the preventable disaster.

Sources: Fox 17 News