HOUSTON — The children of a worker who died from hyperthermia at a Tesla construction project are claiming negligence.
Jasmin Munoz, individually and as personal representative of the Estate of Antelmo Ramirez, Sr., deceased, Karen Ramirez and Antelmo Ramirez, Jr., filed a complaint May 6 in Harris County District Court against Tesla Inc., alleging negligence.
According to the plaintiffs' complaint, their father Antelmo Ramirez was working at the Telsa giga-factory construction project on Sept. 29, 2021. They claim Ramirez performed "heavy labor" jobs including constructing, installing and pounding stakes and boards for concrete framework which caused him to be exposed to high ambient heat.
The plaintiffs further claim Ramirez worked with a heat index greater than 98 degrees and in the direct sun and suffered hyperthermia. They allege Ramirez began to have an altered mental state, had a temperature of 106.4 degrees and was taken to a trailer on the worksite until EMS arrived. The plaintiffs claim medical treatments efforts failed and that Ramirez died on the scene. They allege Tesla's negligence for failing to properly train and manage employees and independent contractors at its worksite and failed to implement proper safety methods.
The plaintiffs also allege Tesla was negligent for failing to properly monitor the weather and temperature conditions on the website and that Tesla violated OSHA regulation and standards.
The plaintiffs seek monetary relief of more than $25 million, interest and all other just relief. They are represented by Marcus Spagnoletti and Eric Rhine of The Spagnoletti Law Firm in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-27251