The tragic aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation has led to a wrongful death lawsuit being filed against Impact Plastics located in Erwin, Tennessee. This legal action comes from the family of Johnny Peterson, a deceased employee of the factory. Peterson, who spent over 35 years with the company, is among the five casualties caused by historic flooding. Alexa Peterson, Johnny's daughter, has been listed as the plaintiff in a case that seeks at least $25 million in damages, as per WBIR.
According to a lawsuit filed Oct. 14, as reported by Knox News, the family's attorney, Zack Lawson, contends that the disaster was avoidable, citing "information we’ve uncovered, including accounts from surviving employees." Despite knowing the flood risks and employees requesting to leave, the company reportedly did not take requisite actions. Allegations surface that not only was there a lack of an evacuation plan at Impact Plastics, but, on the day of the flooding, senior management left the premises while employees were still trapped.
A detailed timeline in the 28-page complaint reveals how on the morning of Sept. 27, official warnings were issued regarding flash floods, yet, as obtained by WBIR, employees received instructions merely to move their cars to higher ground while being unable to exit the flooded parking lot. Impact Plastics has denied holding employees at the plant, stating through Gerald O'Connor, founder, and president, that senior managers were the last to leave the facility.
While Impact Plastics and Gerald O’Connor have not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit, the repercussions of their actions, or inactions, that day have led to a legal battle that not only demands accountability but also sheds light on the very real dangers employees faced during the calamitous flooding event. "I want everyone who made a choice that day and made a wrong choice answer for their actions," Alexa Peterson told WVLT News, hoping to find some form of justice amidst the grief of losing her father.
