Lawsuit Filed by Family Following Fatal Arby's Freezer Mishap

In May 2023, a shocking incident took place at an Arby's restaurant located on East Admiral Doyle Drive in New Iberia, Louisiana. Nguyet Le, a manager at the restaurant, tragically lost her life after being trapped in the restaurant's walk-in freezer.

Nguyet Le was a widow and mother of four. She had previously managed an Arby's in Houston before moving to Louisiana. Her eldest son, who also worked at the restaurant, discovered her body in the freezer hours after she was trapped. The tragedy has left a lasting impact on her family, especially her eldest son.

The incident has sparked a legal battle between Nguyet Le's family and the franchisee. The lawsuit filed by the family alleges gross negligence by Arby's and the franchisee, claiming they were aware of the faulty freezer door for months. According to the lawsuit, a regional manager had documented the problem with the freezer door as early as August 2022, but no repairs were made.

Instead, makeshift measures like propping the freezer door open with screwdrivers and oil cans were reportedly used. The defendants, however, have argued that Nguyet Le failed to address or report the issue, and that she violated company policies by working alone in the restaurant at the time of the incident.

The defendants have requested to move the lawsuit into arbitration. However, Nguyet Le's family's legal team has opposed this request, describing it as a tactic to delay proceedings and weaken their case. The motion to move the lawsuit into arbitration is set to be reviewed in January 2025.

The case, referred to as the lawsuit over the death of Nguyet Le, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive measures in maintaining safe working conditions. It raises broader questions about workplace safety standards and the responsibilities of employers to address known hazards.

Regardless of the court's final decision, the incident has sparked a necessary dialogue about accountability within corporate frameworks. The parties involved in the January 2025 trial for the charges of negligent homicide against the Arby's franchisee include the prosecution representing the state, the defense attorneys for the Arby's franchisee, and the Arby's franchisee themselves.

This case highlights the devastating consequences of neglecting employee safety. It is a tragic reminder that every workplace should prioritize the safety and well-being of its employees.