Lawsuit Against Amazon On Behalf Of Delivery Driver Austin McEwen's Family After His Death In Tornad

EDWARDSVILLE - Clifford Law Offices announced on Monday, January 17, 2022, they will file a lawsuit on behalf of the family of a 26-year-old delivery driver - Austin McEwen, who was killed after he was working at an Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville, Illinois when a tornado struck the facility on December 10, 2021.

The Clifford Law Firm said McEwen, an independent contractor of Amazon, driving for an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, was one of the numerous individuals required to work during an Amazon “peak season” when Amazon management knew that conditions were highly unsafe as tornado warnings had been issued. The firm pointed out tornado warnings had been issued for southwestern Illinois as early as December 9, 2021, and were re-issued on several occasions with growing concern and intensity over the next 24 hours.

"Initial investigation reveals that workers at the facility, including McEwen, were required to continue working instead of being told to evacuate when it was known of the possibility of a major tornado," said Jack J. Casciato, partner at Clifford Law Offices who represents the family of the young 26-year-old driver, said in a statement. "In addition, initial investigation reveals that the Amazon facility had no basement shelter despite this area of Illinois is prone to tornadoes, and no safety plan or adequate emergency plan required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Further, reports indicate that Amazon directed McEwen and five others that were killed to shelter in a bathroom when Amazon knew or should have known that this location would not protect them. It is believed this is the first lawsuit filed against Amazon for this tragically avoidable incident."

https://www.riverbender.com/articles/details/lawsuit-against-amazon-on-behalf-of-delivery-driver-austin-mcewens-family-after-his-death-in-tornado-56038.cfm