HOUSTON — The estate of a former Georgia-Pacific worker who was crushed in a forklift roll over accident is alleging wrongful death and other claims.
Ariana Franco, individually and as representative of the Estate of Gullermo Torres, deceased, filed a complaint May 27 in Harris County District Court against Georgia-Pacific LLC, Georgia-Pacific Panel Products LLC, Koch Industries Inc., Koch Business Solution LP, Hyster-Yale Group Inc.m and Allied Systems Company alleging negligence, strict liability and wrongful death.
Torres was working at Georgia-Pacific's particle board plant in Diboll on Dec. 18, 2020, according to the plaintiff's complaint. The plaintiff alleges that while Torres was operating a forklift, the front left tire hit a concrete base and metal pole and flipped the forklift on its side. The plaintiff further alleges that Torres was ejected from the forklift and was crushed between the forklift cage and ground and suffered fatal injuries.
The plaintiff claims Georgia-Pacific failed to properly supervise the plant, failed to provide proper training to Torres on the operation of the forklift, failed to inspect and maintain the forklift and were in violation of OSHA standards and regulations. The plaintiff also claims the other defendants who were involved in the manufacturing of the forklift and its parts, are negligent due to design and manufacturing defects.
The plaintiff seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by Muhammad Aziz and Alicia Roberson of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston and Andrew Dao of Daly & Black PC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-31831