Family of Tennessee factory worker killed in Helene floodwaters files lawsuit against employer

Published On Oct 17, 2024, 11:26 AM

The family of Johnny Peterson, a factory worker who died during flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against his employer, Impact Plastics. The lawsuit alleges that the company prioritized profit over employee safety, failing to provide an effective emergency action plan even though the factory was located in a known flood zone. Surviving employees reported they weren't allowed to leave the building until power was lost and water began to rise, leaving them trapped. The lawsuit highlights the alleged negligence of the company's management during the incident, which resulted in the deaths of multiple employees.