Data Center Death: Family Files Electrocution Lawsuit After Worker’s Fatal Accident in Fayetteville 2025

The rapid expansion of data centers, fueled by our ever-increasing reliance on technology, brings with it a growing need for stringent safety measures. However, a recent tragic incident in Fayetteville, Georgia, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers lurking within these high-tech facilities. The family of a 25-year-old worker, Anthony J. Riera Azuaje, has filed a lawsuit alleging negligence after he was fatally electrocuted while working at a data center construction site in June 2025. This case highlights the critical importance of workplace safety, especially in environments with complex electrical systems.

The Fayetteville Incident: A Preventable Tragedy?

According to reports, Anthony J. Riera Azuaje was working as an electrical helper for Andrew Electric, a subcontractor at the QTS data center construction site in Fayetteville. The lawsuit filed by his parents against Allison-Smith Company, another electrical contractor on site, alleges that Allison-Smith’s “sloppy electrical work” directly led to their son’s death. The suit claims Allison-Smith violated National Electrical Code requirements by improperly installing temporary power, failing to properly ground cables, and using incorrect fittings, which caused a metal conduit to become energized.

Riera Azuaje was reportedly on a scissor lift, securing nuts in an area where the electrical setup was faulty. Unaware of the danger, he made incidental contact with the energized conduit and was electrocuted for one to two minutes before collapsing. The lawsuit further alleges that it took approximately 15 minutes for personnel to arrive and remove him from the lift. He was rushed to the hospital but died four days later, on July 2nd.

Legal Repercussions and Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit seeks unspecified compensation and damages for the full value of Riera Azuaje’s life, claiming that Allison-Smith ignored clear hazards to unsuspecting workers and should be held accountable. Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing the parents, stated that Riera Azuaje had no warning of the danger created by Allison-Smith and did nothing wrong. The suit aims to determine if there have been any other reports of shoddy construction or injuries at the data center.

Allison-Smith Company has not yet commented on the incident or the associated lawsuit. QTS, the company developing the data center, is not named as a defendant in the suit, and a spokesperson stated they do not comment on pending litigation.

Data Centers: A Growing Industry with Inherent Risks

Data centers are the backbone of the digital age, housing the servers and infrastructure that power the internet, cloud computing, and countless other technologies. These facilities require massive amounts of electricity to operate, creating a potentially hazardous environment for workers.

Electrical Hazards: High-voltage panels, circuits, and the risk of arc flash are common dangers in data centers. Faulty wiring, improper grounding, and inadequate safety protocols can lead to electrocutions, burns, and fires.

Other Hazards: Beyond electrical dangers, data center workers also face risks from:

Heavy Equipment: Servers, routers, and other equipment can cause musculoskeletal injuries if not handled properly.
Working at Heights: Cabling and maintenance tasks often require working on ladders or platforms, increasing the risk of falls.
Noise: The constant hum of equipment can lead to hearing damage over time.
Chemicals: Batteries and cooling systems may contain hazardous chemicals.

The Role of OSHA and Safety Regulations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets and enforces standards to ensure workplace safety. Data centers must comply with a range of OSHA regulations, including those related to electrical safety, fall protection, hazard communication, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Key OSHA Standards for Data Centers:

Electrical Safety: Proper wiring techniques, grounding, and labeling of electrical components are essential.
Lockout/Tagout Procedures: These procedures ensure that equipment is properly de-energized before maintenance or repair work is performed.
PPE: Workers must be provided with and trained on the proper use of PPE, such as insulated gloves, goggles, and arc-rated clothing.
Fall Protection: Ladders must be regularly inspected, and workers must use safe climbing techniques and fall protection gear when working at heights.

OSHA also requires that facilities strictly adhere to a six-point plan to minimize and protect workers from arc flash incidents:

Provide and demonstrate a safety program with defined responsibilities.
Calculate the degree of arc flash hazard.
Use correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers.
Train workers on the hazards of arc flash.
Use appropriate tools for safe working.
Provide warning labels on equipment.

Preventing Future Tragedies: A Call for Enhanced Safety Measures

The death of Anthony J. Riera Azuaje underscores the need for a renewed focus on safety in data centers. Employers must prioritize worker safety by:

Implementing comprehensive safety programs: These programs should include regular training, hazard assessments, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Ensuring proper electrical installations and maintenance: Qualified electricians should perform all electrical work, and regular inspections should be conducted to identify and correct potential hazards.
Providing adequate PPE: Workers should be equipped with the appropriate PPE for the tasks they are performing, and they should be trained on how to use it properly.
Promoting a culture of safety: Encourage workers to report hazards and to speak up if they feel unsafe.
Regularly review and update safety procedures: As technology evolves, safety procedures must be updated to address new hazards.

The Importance of Legal Representation

Workplace accidents can result in serious injuries or death, leaving families with significant financial and emotional burdens. If you or a loved one has been injured in a data center accident, it is crucial to seek legal representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you understand your rights, investigate the accident, and pursue compensation for your losses.

Seeking Justice for Victims of Negligence

The lawsuit filed by the family of Anthony J. Riera Azuaje serves as a reminder that negligence in the workplace can have devastating consequences. By holding negligent parties accountable, we can help prevent future tragedies and ensure that all workers have the right to a safe and healthy work environment.

If you have been injured in a workplace accident, don’t hesitate to contact our firm for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers and their families.