Family of Walmart Employee That Died of Coronavirus Complications Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
As reported by CNBC, A 51-year old Walmart employee died of complications of Coronavirus just two days after he was finally sent home from work on March 23rd. Wando Evans’ family alleges in the lawsuit that Evans told his managers about his symptoms but was ignored. The suit also alleges that Walmart knew that other employees were also showing symptoms of Coronavirus and that another man who worked at the store also died, just four days after Wando. Wando had worked for Walmart for the last 15 years as an overnight stock and maintenance associate at a store in Evergreen Park, near Chicago.
According to the family’s attorney, Wando’s brother had tried to contact store managers and Walmart’s corporate offices to cover burial expenses through an emergency relief fund for employees but never heard back.
Wrongful death lawsuit alleges negligence
A successful wrongful death lawsuit will prove that the defendant acted negligently and that their negligence led to the wrongful death of the decedent. This wrongful death lawsuit against Walmart alleges that the company was negligent because it failed to … “adequately clean the store, enforce social distancing, notify employees about colleagues who were showing coronavirus symptoms and provide protective gear, such as gloves and masks.”
For its part, Walmart released a statement on Monday stating that the company is “heartbroken” over the deaths of the two associates and that they had deep-cleaned the store. They also state that they hired a cleaning company and had inspections done by both a third-party and the health department. Walmart also says that it has implemented company-wide safety measures including installing sneeze guards at each cash register, limiting the number of shoppers in the store at a given time and putting decals on the floor to ensure social distancing. The company is now also providing masks and gloves to its employees, taking employee temperatures when they check in to work and has limited store hours since mid-March to give employees more time to clean and restock store shelves overnight.
What is a wrongful death lawsuit?
A wrongful death lawsuit is brought against a person, business or organization that can be held liable for a death. A wrongful death claim is brought in a civil action, usually by a representative of the person’s estate on behalf of close family relatives, as enumerated by statute. Click here to learn more about who can file a wrongful death lawsuit in Washington State.
What damages may be recovered in a wrongful death lawsuit?
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed to provide a fair settlement to the surviving family members to cover losses such as funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of consortium and loss of household services, lost wages and future inheritance.
Seek the help of a wrongful death attorney
If you lost a loved one due to a preventable medical error or the reckless/negligent behavior of another, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced wrongful death attorney fight for justice on your behalf. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a wrongful death lawyer. Call the most experienced practicing wrongful death attorneys Bellingham has at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing grieving family members in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
