Stellantis Wrongful Death Lawsuit: When “We Value Safety” Isn’t Enough

“I never expected him to go to work and not come home.”

That’s what Renita Shores-Gaston told the Detroit Free Press after her husband, Antonio Gaston, a 12-year Stellantis assembly line employee, was crushed to death on the job.

The Stellantis wrongful death lawsuit filed by Shores-Gaston highlights the devastating consequences when employers fail to maintain proper workplace safety compliance and meet their employee safety obligations.

What Happened on the Stellantis Production Line

According to the complaint:

• Gaston was tightening bolts on a Jeep Gladiator as it moved down the production line.

• Pinch point guards—safety devices designed to prevent employees from being trapped in machinery—were allegedly removed from the conveyor belt.

• Gaston became trapped beneath the chassis and was dragged along as the belt moved forward.

• The county coroner reported he died of “crushing injuries to the torso.”

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated and found that the conveyor lacked adequate safety protections at pinch points. OSHA classified this as a serious violation ( Click here for some OSHA workplace safety resources).

The penalty? $16,131.
A fine that Gaston’s widow calls “a slap in the face.”

Stellantis issued condolences and stated:

“There is nothing we take more seriously than the safety of our employees.”

However, Gaston’s death was not an isolated incident. Another Stellantis worker was killed at the company’s Dundee Engine Plant earlier this year. According to the Detroit Free Press, that investigation is ongoing.

Employer Liability and Workplace Safety Obligations

Companies have both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility to ensure safe working conditions. The Stellantis wrongful death lawsuit demonstrates the consequences of failing to uphold employee safety compliance.

Employers who ignore workplace safety violations—even when they publicly claim to value safety—cannot be surprised when tragedies occur.

If the allegations are true, Antonio Gaston’s death was entirely preventable.

Workers’ Compensation and Intentional Misconduct

You might wonder: Isn’t this barred under workers’ compensation law?

Not in this case. Workers’ compensation generally prevents employees from suing employers for workplace injuries or deaths. But intentional employer misconduct is an exception.

Because Stellantis allegedly removed safety guards intentionally, Shores-Gaston’s wrongful death lawsuit is proceeding. She is also seeking punitive damages, which could be significant.

Lessons for Business Owners, Executives, and HR Professionals

The case underscores critical lessons for business leaders:

• OSHA fines may be minimal, but liability is real. The $16,131 fine is tiny compared to potential lawsuits, damages, and reputational harm (U.S. Department of Labor on employer safety obligations).

• Employees notice safety culture. Poor employee safety compliance can make it difficult to recruit and retain talent.

• Public perception matters. Cutting corners on worker safety can make consumers question product safety.

Bottom Line

Workplace safety isn’t optional. The Stellantis wrongful death lawsuit shows that failing to uphold employee safety obligations risks far more than fines—it can cost lives, legal liability, and your company’s reputation.

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