Victims' Families Condemn 'Insulting' Response from Munitions Plant After Deadly Explosion

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Attorneys representing the families of two victims killed in last year's deadly munitions plant explosion in Tennessee are condemning Accurate Energetic Systems' (AES) 'reckless' behavior before the tragedy and the company's 'insulting' response to the victims' loved ones. The legal team says AES rejected a $150 million pre-litigation demand and has only offered the families a $50 Walmart gift card, a t-shirt with their deceased loved one's photo, and a barbecue food truck event, which the attorneys call 'insulting.' They plan to file a lawsuit against AES and are also considering seeking accountability from state and federal regulators.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing struggles of victims' families to receive adequate support and compensation from a company they believe was responsible for a preventable tragedy. The attorneys' accusations of 'reckless' behavior and 'insulting' responses from AES raise broader questions about corporate accountability and the treatment of workers in dangerous industries.

The details

According to the attorneys, AES rejected a $150 million pre-litigation demand from the families just 45 minutes before the Monday afternoon deadline. The lawyers say AES claimed workers' compensation is the 'exclusive remedy' for the incident. The attorneys also expressed shock that AES has declined to provide the families with contact information for their insurance, which they say is a 'professional courtesy' to facilitate claims resolution. The legal team plans to file a lawsuit against AES, citing a 'scathing' TOSHA report that cited the company for nearly 100 safety violations and proposed over $3 million in fines. The attorneys are also considering seeking accountability from state and federal regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense, which they allege continued to award AES lucrative contracts 'despite knowing what they knew about what was going on in that facility.'

• The deadly munitions plant explosion occurred last year.
• The attorneys made a $150 million pre-litigation demand on Monday afternoon.
• AES rejected the demand 45 minutes before the Monday afternoon deadline.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The legal team plans to file their lawsuit 'no later than Friday of next week,' but they're currently 'trying to perfect it.' They are also considering pushing for accountability from state and federal regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Defense.