Family Sues After Employee Dies After Being Hit by Fuel Truck at Austin Airport

The family of an employee who died after being struck by a fuel truck at the Austin Airport has filed a lawsuit against the aviation company who owned and operated the truck. On October 31, an Aviation Department employee was hit by a truck near a service road that goes by the tarmac. In the recently filed lawsuit, the family names the driver of the fuel truck and accuses his employer of negligence. According to the lawsuit, the defendant provides ground-handling services such as fueling and cargo loading for commercial airlines. The lawsuit alleges that the company failed to properly train or supervise their employees on “the safe use and operation of equipment.”

Elements of negligence 

According to the lawsuit, on the morning of the accident, the driver of the fuel truck owned by the defendant was waiting to refuel a plane in an “unauthorized and unsafe area” on the tarmac. The decedent parked his company vehicle in front of the fuel truck and asked the driver of the fuel truck to move his vehicle. The driver allegedly became “angry and irritated” by the request, the lawsuit states. The plaintiff alleges that the driver of the fuel truck then sped forward pinning the decedent between the fuel truck and his own vehicle. The lawsuit states that the decedent was wearing a reflective vest and safety gear at the time of the accident.

Within minutes, emergency responders were at the scene. They noted “massive injuries” and began CPR right away. Emergency responders were unable to resuscitate the decedent and he died at the scene. The Austin Police Department and OSHA are still investigating the incident.

The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit directly against the driver of the truck and the company that he works for. They allege that the truck was located in an unauthorized and unsafe area and when the decedent asked the driver to move the truck, he became angry and irritated. He sped forward in an attempt to move the truck without checking to see if the decedent was still in his path. The decedent was then pinned between his own Chevy pickup and the defendant’s fuel tanker.

If successful, the family can recover damages related to their loved one’s death. The defendants would be on the hook for the claim of wrongful death, the loss of the plaintiff’s loved one, and emotional damages stemming from that loss. They can also recover damages related to any financial support that was provided by the decedent to the family.

Talk to a Tampa, FL Truck Accident Attorney Today 

The Tampa auto accident attorneys at The Matassini Law Firm represent the interests of those injured in truck accidents in the state of Florida. Plaintiffs can recover damages related to their medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. In the event of a wrongful death, families can recover damages related to the loss of their loved one, loss of financial support, and emotional pain and suffering damages. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Source:

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