Parents of Amazon Worker Killed in Tornado are Suing the Company: 'Amazon Placed Profits First' The suit alleges Amazon didn't exercise reasonable care to protect their son from death.

By Chloe Arrojado

picture alliance | Getty Images

Last month, a tornado struck an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois, killing six people. On Monday, the parents of victim Austin McEwen held a press conference, announcing that they are suing the company for wrongful death.

Alice McEwen, Austin's mother, told CNN during that "it appears that Amazon placed profits first during this holiday season instead of the safety of our son and the other five families who lost loved ones."

Related: An Amazon Driver Was Told She Would Be Fired If She Didn't Continue Delivering Packages Despite Tornado Warnings: Report

The lawsuit alleges Amazon and the fulfillment center's developers didn't exercise reasonable care to protect workers from injuries or death. Additionally, it claims there are a number of ways Amazon was negligent of its workers, including requiring individuals to "continue working up until the moments before the tornado struck" and improperly directing team members like Austin to shelter in a bathroom.

"Despite having numerous warnings from the National Weather Service that the Edwardsville, Illinois area was at-risk of devastating weather and/or tornadoes, Defendant, Amazon LLC, had workers and independently contracted Deliver Service Partners working during a holiday 'peak season' until moments before the EF-3 tornado obliterated the subject 'fulfillment center' in Edwardsville, Illinois," the lawsuit states.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel told CNN that the ecommerce company will defend itself, saying that the "lawsuit misunderstands key facts, such as the difference between various types of severe weather and tornado alerts, as well as the condition and safety of the building."

Related: Amazon Accused of Massively Underreporting Covid Cases Contracted at Work

Chloe Arrojado

Entrepreneur Staff

Editorial Assistant

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

'Nobody Ever Gave Me Anything': More Boomers Say They're Not Transferring Wealth to Family Until They're Dead

A new survey from Charles Schwab found boomers are more hesitant to distribute their wealth than other generations.

Business News

Fans of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Are In for a Big Surprise

Costco CEO Ron Vachris announced a change that's coming soon to the company's food courts.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Leadership

How a Mindfulness Practice Can Help You Beat Tech Overwhelm

This article explores how mindfulness can transform your tech choices, ensuring technology serves your business goals without adding unnecessary complexity.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.