San Francisco Injury Lawyer Blog
In June 2017, an armed United Parcel Service (UPS) employee entered into a package delivery warehouse in San Francisco and began shooting. Three UPS workers were killed and two were wounded. An additional three employees were hurt while trying to escape. This tragic and violent incident has led the families of the deceased victims and the injured employees to file a lawsuit against UPS, Allied Universal Security Services, and the owner of the warehouse.
UPS Employees File Suit Following Deadly Workplace Shooting
The attorneys for the employees and their families argue that the accident was entirely preventable. Despite metal detectors and security guards at the facility, it appears as if the shooter walked right in. The employees and their families claim that none of the security measures in place were sufficient to prevent such an incident. They also state there had been previous complaints about the lack of appropriate security as unauthorized people had gotten into the building.
The survivors who were wounded by gunshots and those who were otherwise harmed are seeking personal injury damages from the three defendants. Families of two of the victims, Benson Louie and Michael “Big Mike” Lefiti, are asking for wrongful death damages.
Legal Options After Workplace Violence
An injured employee or surviving family’s options following a violent workplace occurrence depending on a number of factors. The first is whether the injured or killed worker is covered by worker’s compensation insurance. If an employee is covered by worker’s comp, then he or she or the surviving family must seek medical expenses, wage benefits, or funeral and burial costs through their employer and insurance provider. They may not have the right to sue the employer for negligence if worker’s comp is available.
However, there are numerous instances when employees or their surviving families may have the right to bring personal injury or wrongful death claims against an employer. The first is if the employee was not covered by workers’ comp insurance. In that case, a lawsuit may be the only way to seek compensation. The employee or surviving families may also file a third-party liability claim, which claims the employer did not take reasonable precautions to protect employees from harm caused by a third party.
Compensation Through a Third-Party Claim
For the injured workers filing third-party claims against UPS and the other defendants, they may be able to seek compensation for their:
- Medical expenses
- Physical pain
- Mental suffering
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Disfigurement
For the families of those killed during the shooting, they can pursue:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the victim’s future earnings
- Loss of victim’s benefits, including health insurance and retirement
- Loss of victim’s household services
- Loss of love, companionship, affection, support, and more
- Loss of sexual relations
Were You Injured by Workplace Violence?
If you were injured in a violent incident at work or you lost a loved one due to workplace violence, contact our experienced personal injury and wrongful death lawyers at Brod law Firm at (800) 427-7020. We will review your circumstances to determine whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against the employer.