Worker’s fatal electrocution at Tesla factory could have been prevented, TX suit says
The family of a man killed at a Tesla factory says the company is responsible for leaving the electrical panels energized during the inspection, resulting in his electrocution, according to a Texas lawsuit filed Aug. 6.
Victor Gomez, a licensed journeyman electrician, went to the construction site of the Tesla global headquarters in Austin, also known as Gigafactory Texas, according to the lawsuit. He had been hired through Belcan Services Group, LTD, who is also a defendant in the suit, to perform the work for Tesla.
He was at the facility on Aug. 1 to inspect the electrical panels before they were energized, according to the complaint. However, unbeknownst to him, the panels were already energized when Gomez started the inspection, according to court documents.
He was electrocuted and knocked unconscious, the lawsuit said, and pronounced dead at a hospital.
The family is accusing the Tesla, Belcan and Colorado River Project LLC, the company that partnered with Tesla to build the factory, of negligence and wrongful death, according to court records.
Tesla and Belcan did not immediately respond to McClatchy News’ request for comment on Aug. 9. Colorado River Project could not be reached for comment.
The family, which includes Gomez’s wife and children, are seeking over $1 million in damages, according to the lawsuit.
The Department of Labor said OSHA is investigating Gomez’s death, CBS Austin reported.
This story was originally published August 9, 2024 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Worker’s fatal electrocution at Tesla factory could have been prevented, TX suit says."
