Foodservice

Family of worker who died from COVID-19 sues Tyson Foods

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May 26, 2020

The family of a Tyson Foods employee who died from COVID-19 has sued the company for their relative’s death, according to a press release from the attorney. Pwar Gay, who worked as a meat cutter at the Tyson meatpacking plant in Amarillo, Texas, tripped and injured her knee in a job-related incident, according to the lawsuit. 

Following the injury, Tyson sent Gay to its company clinic, where she received first aid treatment and was sent back to work. Gay was not permitted to go home to rest or seek medical attention due to Tyson's shortage in staff, according to the legal documents.

Gay's family, which is represented by VB Attorneys law firm in Houston Texas, alleges at least 4,500 Tyson employees have contracted coronavirus and at least 18 have died, which they claim is a grossly disproportionate number compared to the general population. The suit further alleges Tyson does not buy workers compensation insurance for its employees, choosing instead to provide workers with a "rigged" injury settlement program.

"We look forward to fighting hard for Mrs. Gay's family in this case, and to set a precedent that our community will not tolerate companies that prioritize profits over the safety of hard-working employees." Vuk Vujasinovic, a partner at VB Attorneys, said in the press release.

“Mrs. Gay put in eight tough years with Tyson, and she and her family deserved much better than this."

The lawsuit was filed in the Amarillo Division of the Northern District of Texas, Case No. 2:20-cv-00125-z; Ka La Ya Lay, Aye Aya Lay, Tun Lah, Individually, and Tun Nee Individually and as next friend of minor child, K.M.N. and as Representatives of the Estate of Pwar Gay, Deceased Vs. Tyson Foods, Inc.

"We are saddened by the loss of any Tyson team member and sympathize with Ms. Gay’s family at this difficult time," Worth Sparkman, a Tyson Foods' spokesperson, told this website. "At Tyson Foods, our top priority is the health and safety of our team members, and we have put in place a host of protective steps at our facilities that meet or exceed CDC and OSHA guidance for preventing COVID-19."

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the convenience services industry, click here.