The family of a woman who died after being grabbed and crushed by the claw of a bin lorry in the United States are planning to take legal action against the local government.
Tyrah Adams, 35, was sleeping rough behind a convenience store in Louisville, Kentucky, when she was killed on February 12. The grappler attached to the rubbish truck picked her up as bin men cleared an alley, according to local media.
The Jefferson County coroner recorded the cause of death as blunt force and compressional trauma. The city told Ms Adams's family that she had 'come in contact' with the vehicle while 'unseen' by the crew, describing the incident as a 'tragic accident'. Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg said the woman 'could not be seen' and suffered injuries when garbage was moved.
However, the family's lawyer, Stephanie Rivas, disputed this account. 'She didn't walk into this truck. They physically picked her up with that claw, squeezed her, compressed her, and dropped her. And left her there to find her own help,' she said.
A police report supported witness statements that the operator got off the machine after the incident and returned to the truck. Witnesses said Ms Adams managed to walk to a nearby store, severely injured and unable to speak, before collapsing in the doorway. Neither employee called emergency services.
'Knowing that they didn't help her at all – that's where most of my anger comes from,' said Sandra Akers, Ms Adams's sister. Ms Rivas said the lawsuit aims to obtain access to videos and other information being withheld. Louisville Public Works said it cannot comment while an investigation continues, and both employees remain on administrative leave.
