Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • Midnight Flight Book
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
    • The Arab street Podcast
  • Submit a Press Release
  • Toggle search form
  • Congressman Sean Casten
    Casten Introduces bill to Help Communities Facing Flood Damage   Cook County
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday Blogger
  • ormer City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15 censorship
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair Business
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum breaking news
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess Blogger
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown Business
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters Features
  • Fathers Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad gains sole custody to protect son from reported abuse Chicago
  • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker
    Governor Pritzker joins Secretary Pete Buttigieg for ribbon cutting at Joliet Gateway Center’s new Pace bus facility Government
  • A Roe vs Wade support placard
    Casten and Newman vow to find to defend Roe vs Wade federal ruling Health
  • David Shestokas, Republican candidate for Illinois AttorneyGeneral in the June 28, 2022 GOP primary election
    Shestokas adds law and order professionals to his campaign for Illinois Attorney General elections
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania
    The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police Blogger
  • Chicago Wolves face-off with Toronto Marlies Nov. 13, 2021
    Chicago Wolves sweep AH regular season awards Chicago
  • Classic and great tasting Shish Kabob plate with skewers of beef, lamb, and kuftah on a bed of yellow and red rice at Zwar in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Finally an Arab Restaurant in Orland Park Americans will love Entertainment
Amazon.com's "Day 1" tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center

Posted on January 16, 2022January 16, 2022 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center

Clifford Law Offices to File First Lawsuit Against Amazon on Behalf of Family of Downstate Delivery Driver Killed at Distribution Center During Tornado; Zoom Press Conference with Mother and Lawyer at NOON (CST) MONDAY

Clifford Law Offices on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022) will file a lawsuit on behalf of the family of a 26-year-old delivery driver who was killed after he was working at an Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville, Illinois when a tornado struck the facility Dec. 10.

Austin McEwen, an independent contractor of Amazon, driving for an Amazon Delivery Service Partner, was one of numerous individuals required to work during an Amazon “peak season” when Amazon management knew that conditions were highly unsafe as tornado warnings had been issued.

Tornado warnings had been issued for southwestern Illinois as early as Dec. 9, 2021, and were re-issued on several occasions with growing concern and intensity over the next 24 hours.

Initial investigation reveals that workers at the facility, including McEwen, were required to continue working instead of being told to evacuate when it was known of the possibility of a major tornado.

In addition, initial investigation reveals that the Amazon facility had no basement shelter despite this area of Illinois being prone to tornadoes, and no safety plan or adequate emergency plan required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Amazon.com's "Day 1" tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
Amazon.com’s “Day 1” tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

 

Further, reports indicate that Amazon directed McEwen and five others that were killed to shelter in a bathroom when Amazon knew or should have known that this location would not protect them. It is believed this is the first lawsuit filed against Amazon for this tragically avoidable incident.

 

“Initial reports from those that survived this avoidable tragedy are disturbing. We certainly intend to discover what precautions Amazon could have taken to save lives. Certainly, this entire facility could have bene evacuated when it was believed a tornado was en route. It appears that holiday profits took precedence over safety,” said Jack J. Casciato, partner at Clifford Law Offices who represents the family of the young driver. “We need to find out if training and emergency protocols were in place for those in the building as well as those who entered the building with jobs regularly connected to Amazon outside of the facility.”

Early investigative reports have indicated that Amazon management knew or should have known of this tornado more than 24 hours before it destroyed the facility. The complaint alleges that Amazon failed to adhere to OSHA preparedness plans for inclement weather, could have evacuated workers but chose to have workers continue working during a peak holiday season, and failed to have a facility that contained a basement shelter. OSHA has opened an investigation into workplace safety at the fulfillment center following this tragic event.

In addition, members of Congress have sent a letter to Amazon and its CEO Jeff Bezos seeking answers. The E-3 tornado is reported to have hit the distribution center in downstate Illinois Edwardsville at 8:28 p.m. with winds reaching speeds of 150 mph. The roof of the massive facility collapsed, leveling the building.

The complaint will be e-filed in Madison County State Court located in downstate Edwardsville, Illinois.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Casten Introduces bill to Help Communities Facing Flood Damage   - May 19, 2022
  • Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday - May 18, 2022
  • Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15 - May 17, 2022
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Environment, Law, NewsWire, Suburban Chicagoland, Technology, Weather Tags:Amazon, Chicago, Clifford Law Group, court, downstate Illinois, employee killed in tornado in warehouse, lawsuit

Post navigation

Previous Post: Chicago Wolves battle ends in Overtime
Next Post: Pratt Industries donates $2 million to Muhammad Ali Center

Related Posts

  • In partnership with Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Orland Township will be holding a medical supplies drive for Ukraine at the end of April.
    Orland Township Hosting Medical Supply Drive for Ukraine Government
  • Second time works at SD 103 News
  • Alderman Pawar Speaking at the Dedication of Honorary Lee Sandlin Way. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Pawar gets endorsement of new Muslims group for Chicago Treasurer Chicago
  • La Grange Babe Ruth wins 16-18 state title News
  • Pat Dowell,  Alderman and Committeeman of Chicago’s Third Ward, announced her candidacy for Illinois Secretary of State April 7, 2021
    Pat Dowell Announces Candidacy for Illinois Secretary of  State  Chicago
  • National Night Out in Lyons Features

More Related Articles

Summit to test raffles Festival
Summit wants new water meters Government
New Sarge in Lyons News
Hispanic American Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct 15 of every year. Photo courtesy of the Cicero Mexican Cultural Committee. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley proclaims Sept 15 – Oct 151st Hispanic American Heritage Month Chicago
3rd Congressional District Congresswoman Marie Newman Newman convenes transit leaders as part of Biden’s American Jobs Plan Chicago
Wolves hockey game at Allstate Arena. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Chicago Wolves win over Texas Stars leading AHL Central Division 12 to 1 Chicago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement. Photo courtesy of Berry M. Goldwater Jr.
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of Republican conservative icon, to keynote Gorman rally Friday
    May 18, 2022
  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort).
    Illinois Secretary of State’s race is a mess
    May 8, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania
    The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police
    May 3, 2022
  • Pekau Sign place along curb.
    Crime is down for everyone but Pekau, he claims
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicagos first minority and Woman Mayor Jane M. Byrne is often ignored by the mainstream media. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Remembering Great Chicago Mayors, not just one
    April 23, 2022
  • Gas station image gasoline pump. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Governor and legislature turn public need into campaign greed
    April 16, 2022

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Township Supervisor Paul O’Grady and Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the driver services facility in the Orland Township Building, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park. Also attending the ribbon cutting were (from left): Orland Township Trustee Antonio Rubino, Orland Township Trustee John Lynch, Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), Orland Township Assessor Rich Kelly and Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). Illinois Secretary of Sta... Illinois Secretary of State's race is a mess Most elections are pretty muc... posted on May 8, 2022
  • Suspect Joseph Guzman, 20, charged in two separate homicides that took the lives of three people. April 28, 2022. Mugshot courtesy of the Cicero Police Cicero Police and Illinoi... Cicero Police and Illinois State police announce murder charges against two... posted on April 28, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago. Mayor Lightfoot accused o... Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdo... posted on May 7, 2022
  • Classic and great tasting Shish Kabob plate with skewers of beef, lamb, and kuftah on a bed of yellow and red rice at Zwar in Orland Park. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Finally an Arab Restauran... Finally an Arab Restaurant in Orland Park Americans will love One of the b... posted on April 29, 2022
  • The Political Pundit Comic Strip for May 3, 2022. By Ray Hanania The Political Pundit Comi... The Political Pundit Comic Strip: Anyone who criticizes me hates the police... posted on May 3, 2022
  • NEWS
  • Congressman Sean Casten
    Casten Introduces bill to Help Communities Facing Flood Damage  
    May 19, 2022
  • ormer City Hall reporter Ray Hanania, ShawnTe Raines-Welch and Nick Kantas, candidates for Judge in the 4th SubCircuit, and Cook County Commissioner Frank Aguilar.
    Arab Democratic Club forum hosts candidates for public office at brunch May 15
    May 17, 2022
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum
    May 16, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Mother ordered to pay divorcing dad’s attorneys’ fees
    May 10, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown
    May 7, 2022
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Netflix is the best streaming service, despite drop in stock price
    April 20, 2022
  • Book Cover "Laptop from Hell" by Miranda Devince
    Questions remain unanswered about Hunter Biden’s ties to Ukraine
    February 20, 2022
  • Amazon.com's "Day 1" tower in Seattle, WA in January 2017. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Clifford Law to sue Amazon after employee is killed by tornado at downstate distribution center
    January 16, 2022

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wolves face-off with Toronto Marlies Nov. 13, 2021
    Chicago Wolves sweep AH regular season awards
    May 1, 2022
  • Muhammad Ali Center United Way
    Muhammad Ali Center, Metro United Way partner for Greatest Give Back
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves lose to Toronto Marlies in overtime at AllState Arena Nov. 14, 2021
    Chicago Wolves wrap up home schedule in style
    April 29, 2022
  • Chicago Wolves Artyom Serikov courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Chicago Wolves break franchise mark for Best Record
    April 25, 2022
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Liz Gorman hosts Forum for Republican Candidates May 20. Former Congressman Barry Goldwater Jr., the son of the former presidential candidate and conscience of the Republican Conservative movement, will be a keynote speaker
    Barry Goldwater Jr., son of former GOP Presidential icon, headlines Gorman Republican Forum
    May 16, 2022
  • Two backpacks full of emergency supplies sit ready for action in John and Chloe Clayborn’s Lincoln Park living room — one “go bag” for each of them.
    Maintaining Calm Amid Chaos: Families Pack ‘Go Bags’ to be Ready for Natural Disasters
    May 6, 2022
  • Candidate for Cook County Board President Richard Boykin in the June 28, 2022 Democratic Primary election
    Preckwinkle challenger Richard Boykin unveils 7-point Holistic Public Safety Plan to address the County’s escalating crime rates
    April 21, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Children rescued from abusive home now safe, Dads’ Rights attorney Leving reports
    April 19, 2022
Two Guys on PoliticsTwo Guys on Politics

John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications
  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Orland Township hosts Job Fair
    Orland Township events: Walk & Talk program, and Summer Job Fair
    May 17, 2022
  • Closure notice from Mayor Lori Lightfoot for Arab and Muslim owned Citgo Gas Station at at 3759 W. Chicago Ave in Chicago.
    Mayor Lightfoot accused of targeting Arab and Muslim stores in gang crackdown
    May 7, 2022
  • John Husnick provides direction at Worth Township Career Fair
    Building Trades Career Fair offers opportunities for students
    April 29, 2022
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Leving to present on dad’s rights legal issues at Horasis Global meeting Friday March 4, 2022
    March 3, 2022
Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme