– Attorney discusses lawsuit after teen’s death at Hattiesburg poultry plant
– Lawsuit discussion by attorney following teenager’s fatality at Hattiesburg poultry plant.
Tragic Death of Duvan Tomas Perez Sparks Legal Action
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – In a devastating turn of events, the family of Duvan Tomas Perez, a teenager who tragically lost his life while working at a Hattiesburg poultry plant, has decided to take legal action. They have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Mar-Jac Poultry MS, LLC, and Onin Staffing.
Allegations of Negligence and Safety Violations
The lawsuit claims that Perez’s untimely death was a direct result of Mar-Jac Poultry’s negligence in disregarding safety regulations. It is alleged that the company failed to turn off the machinery during sanitation, leading to the fatal accident. Additionally, the suit accuses Onin Staffing of negligence for unlawfully assigning a 16-year-old to work at the plant.
On a fateful evening on Friday, July 14, 2023, the young employee lost his life at Mar-Jac Poultry located on James Street in Hattiesburg.
Company Cited by Occupational Safety and Health Administration
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Mar-Jac Poultry in January 2024. This citation raises serious concerns about the company’s commitment to employee safety and adherence to industry regulations.
Seeking Justice and Industry-Wide Change
The family’s attorney, Jim Reeves, hopes that this lawsuit will serve as a catalyst for change within the poultry industry as a whole. He strongly believes that companies should prioritize safety over profits and take adequate measures to protect their workers.
Reeves states, “They are putting profits over safety. Look, it’s easy when it’s cheaper to do it in a dangerous way. A lot of times it’s easier, certainly, but that’s no good excuse. And so, I think what happens is they’re not paying enough attention to safety, worker safety, who’s working in their plants, what type of training they have. And they’re ignoring government regulators like OSHA who’ve told them repeatedly not to do what they did in this case.”
Government Penalties and Ongoing Investigations
OSHA has proposed a total of $212,646 in penalties, in accordance with federal statute. Alongside OSHA’s investigation, the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division is conducting an open child labor investigation related to this incident.
The matter is currently pending, and the family seeks justice for the loss of their beloved Duvan Tomas Perez.
While the cause of Perez’s death remains undisclosed, the family’s legal action sheds light on the need for safety and vigilance in the workplace. It is a tragic reminder of the consequences that can arise when companies neglect their responsibility to protect their employees.
In the face of this devastating loss, the family hopes that their lawsuit will not only bring them a sense of justice but also serve as a wake-up call for the poultry industry to prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers.
.
– Attorney discusses lawsuit after teen dies at Hattiesburg poultry plant
– Lawsuit after teen dies at Hattiesburg poultry plant.
