The New Iberia Police Department in Louisiana recently disclosed a distressing incident that unfolded at an Arby’s restaurant earlier this month. It is a tragic tale involving the unfortunate death of Nguyet Le, the manager of the establishment, who was discovered lifeless inside the restaurant’s freezer. The circumstances surrounding her demise are still being investigated, and a comprehensive autopsy is underway to determine the cause of death. Preliminary details from a police report suggest that she might have become trapped inside the freezer, indicated by the presence of blood stains on the freezer door and her condition upon discovery.
Consequently, the family of the deceased has made the difficult decision to pursue legal action against the fast food company and its franchise owner, seeking damages totaling $1 million. Representing the family in this lawsuit is the reputable Houston-based law firm Pierce Skrabanek, which has confirmed the identity of the deceased. While investigators are not currently considering foul play in Le’s death, the circumstances surrounding it are deemed suspicious, prompting the police to exercise additional precautions during their investigations.
The law firm asserts that the tragic event involving Nguyet Le is absolutely unacceptable. Depending on the findings of the ongoing investigation, there may be grounds to sue Arby’s based on premises liability, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death. Regrettably, this is not an isolated incident of a body being discovered in a commercial freezer. A similar harrowing incident occurred in 2017 when a 19-year-old was found dead in a freezer at a hotel in Illinois. Over time, several deaths have been attributed to individuals inadvertently getting locked inside freezers. The causes of such fatalities often involve exposure to extreme cold, inhaling lethal fumes, or suffocation.
Pierce Skrabanek, the law firm representing the family, has brought attention to the potential hazards associated with freezer facilities that can pose life-threatening risks. These dangers include the possibility of becoming trapped, exposure to freezing temperatures, and potential neglect in terms of maintenance and safety protocols.
Arby’s has responded to this tragic incident by issuing a statement expressing their acknowledgment of the situation at their New Iberia franchise. They have assured full cooperation with local authorities throughout the investigation. However, due to the ongoing status of the inquiry, they have refrained from providing further comments and have directed any future inquiries to the police department.
Tragic incidents like this highlight the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for employees in the food industry. It is crucial for establishments to ensure that proper safety measures are in place, especially when it comes to potentially hazardous areas such as freezers. This unfortunate event serves as a reminder for companies to regularly inspect and maintain their facilities, minimizing the risk of accidents and safeguarding the well-being of their employees.
Moreover, this incident has prompted discussions about the need for increased awareness and education regarding the potential dangers associated with commercial freezers. Employers should prioritize training their staff on proper procedures, emergency protocols, and the importance of maintaining vigilance in potentially hazardous environments. By doing so, they can enhance workplace safety and mitigate the chances of similar tragedies occurring in the future.
As the investigation into Nguyet Le’s death continues, it is our hope that justice will be served, providing solace to her grieving family. This incident should serve as a catalyst for change within the industry, encouraging businesses to prioritize the safety and welfare of their employees above all else. By working together, we can strive for a future where such tragic occurrences become a thing of the past.
