Tesla Faces Electrocution Lawsuit: Electrician Death Sparks Negligence Claims at Austin Gigafactory

The rapid expansion of Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, has been lauded as a beacon of innovation and economic growth. However, beneath the surface of technological advancement lies a concerning reality: workplace accidents, including a recent electrocution that has led to a negligence lawsuit against the electric vehicle giant. In August 2024, Victor Joe Gomez Sr., an electrician working at the Gigafactory, tragically lost his life while inspecting electrical panels. This incident has ignited a debate about safety protocols and working conditions at the facility, raising critical questions about Tesla’s commitment to worker well-being.

The Fatal Incident and Subsequent Lawsuit

Victor Joe Gomez Sr., a 46-year-old licensed electrician, was contracted through Belcan Services to inspect electrical panels at the Tesla Gigafactory. According to the wrongful death lawsuit filed by his family, Gomez was instructed to examine the panels before they were energized. However, one of the panels was already live, resulting in immediate electrocution and rendering him unconscious. He was rushed to Dell Seton Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of Tesla and Belcan Services, claiming that the companies failed to ensure a safe working environment. The family is seeking over $1 million in damages to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional distress. A judge has ordered Tesla to preserve all evidence related to the incident, including surveillance footage and the electrical panel in question, to ensure a thorough investigation.

OSHA Investigation and Findings

Following Gomez’s death, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation into the incident. In early 2025, OSHA issued three “serious” citations against Tesla, totaling nearly $50,000 in fines, for workplace and safety violations. The citations highlight several critical failures:

Lack of Protective Equipment: Tesla failed to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye, face, head, and extremity protection, as well as protective clothing, respiratory devices, and shields.
Exposure to Electrical Hazards: Employees were permitted to work in close proximity to energized electrical circuits without proper safeguards, such as de-energizing and grounding the circuits or providing effective insulation.
Failure to Warn: Tesla did not adequately assess potential hazards, post warning signs, or inform employees about the location of energized power circuits and the necessary safety measures.

These findings paint a concerning picture of safety lapses at the Gigafactory, suggesting a systemic failure to protect workers from electrical hazards.

A Pattern of Safety Concerns

Unfortunately, Gomez’s death is not an isolated incident at the Tesla Gigafactory. In 2021, another worker, Antelmo Ramirez, died of hyperthermia while helping construct the facility. Tesla reportedly failed to report this death to county officials, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

In November 2024, OSHA fined Tesla nearly $7,000 for exposing four workers to hazardous chemicals, including hexavalent chromium, without proper training or safety precautions. These incidents, coupled with reports of excessive temperatures, chemical fume exposure, and insufficient ventilation, suggest a pattern of negligence that endangers workers at the Gigafactory.

Legal Recourse for Electrocution Injuries and Deaths in Texas

Electrocution accidents can result in severe injuries, including burns, nerve damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. In Texas, victims of electrocution or their surviving family members may have legal recourse through personal injury or wrongful death claims.

Personal Injury Claims: If you have been injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Wrongful Death Claims: If a loved one has died as a result of electrocution, certain family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Under Texas law, the following individuals can file a wrongful death lawsuit:

Surviving spouse
Children (biological or adopted)
Parents

A wrongful death claim can provide compensation for:

Lost income and financial support
Loss of companionship and emotional support
Mental anguish
Funeral and burial expenses

Negligence and Liability: To successfully pursue an electrocution injury or wrongful death claim, it is crucial to establish negligence on the part of the responsible party. Negligence occurs when a person or company fails to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm to another. In electrocution cases, negligence may involve:

Failure to maintain electrical equipment
Violation of safety regulations
Failure to warn of electrical hazards
Improper training or supervision

Statute of Limitations: In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of the injury or death. It is essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your claim is filed within the applicable time frame.

Seeking Justice and Accountability

The Tesla electrocution lawsuit highlights the importance of workplace safety and the need for companies to prioritize worker well-being. When negligence leads to injury or death, victims and their families have the right to seek justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an electrocution accident in Texas, it is crucial to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your legal rights, investigate the circumstances of the accident, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney to discuss your specific legal situation.