TEXARKANA — A family is suing the manufacturer of ice discharging equipment, alleging negligence caused physical injuries and the death of a relative.
Josue Lopez, Maricela Ozona and Maria Del Rosario Lopez of Titus County filed a complaint Jan. 12 in the Texarkana County District Court against VI Acquisitions Inc, alleging negligence and strict product liability.
According to the complaint, VI Acquisitions manufactured ice discharging equipment that was sold to Pilgrim's Pride Corporation and it was thought the defendant would assist with any issues following the installation. However, the suit says, the equipment allowed ice to stack up unreasonably high, was a risk to the employees who later had to utilize hand tools to remove the ice.
On Oct. 17, 2014, the lawsuit states, Pablo Lopez, an employee of Pilgrim's Pride, was working in the ice house in Titus County when he was struck and covered by ice which led to injuries and death.
The plaintiffs seek damages for medical expenses, burial costs, physical pain, mental anguish, pecuniary loss, loss of inheritance and companionship. They are represented by attorneys Kelly B. Tidwell and Geoffrey Culbertson of Patton, Tidwell & Culbertson LLP in Texarkana.
Texarkana County District Court Case number 5:16-cv-00007