Lawsuit launched against Amazon over runaway van death of Surrey mom
Posted April 19, 2022 7:28 am.
Last Updated April 19, 2022 7:04 pm.
Amazon has been named in a B.C. Supreme Court civil claim over the death of a Surrey mother who died while saving her young children from a runaway delivery van.
Paramjit Kaur Masutta was walking with her twin daughters in the Newton neighbourhood on Dec. 15, 2020, when she was killed. Masutta is remembered for her heroic actions as she pushed her daughters out of the way of the van to safety, moments before she was struck.
A news release from the Surrey RCMP said an unoccupied cargo van had rolled into traffic near 144 Street and 61 A Avenue, travelled onto the sidewalk, and then struck a pedestrian.
Now, more than two years after her death, her husband has brought legal action against the driver of the van, as well as his employers at the time, claiming negligence.
Daljit Singh Masutta is seeking damages from the van’s driver, Jeo Kurian, Amazon, and two logistics companies, Foss National Leasing Ltd. and Damy Logistics Ltd.
Masutta’s daughters have also been added as plaintiffs in the claim, and damages are being sought for the loss of guidance and companionship of their mother, as well as loss of support.
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The lawsuit alleges the driver did not take reasonable steps to avoid the collision, and his employers did not train him properly.
“Employers cannot put the employees in a situation where, just for high-profit-driven policy,” said Brij Mohan, Masutta’s lawyer. “They put them under tremendous stress that they have to deliver so many parcels in such a little time.”
“Because Amazon drivers are put under strict time limitations, they’re forced to drive negligently,” he argued.
“The employer should have a reasonable foresight that because of their worksite policies for their employees, they are … endangering the safety of the general public.”
The lawsuit says the driver parked the vehicle illegally, facing the wrong way on the street, and did not use the emergency brake or put the van in “park” before exiting the vehicle.
The notice also alleges that the driver’s ability was “impaired by the use of drugs, alcohol, weariness, medical causes or other causes.”
Amazon has not filed a statement of defence and none of the allegations have been proven in court.
Surrey RCMP tells CityNews the investigation is ongoing at this time and there is plan to forward criminal charges to Crown Counsel. The Mounties add the driver has been fully cooperative during the investigation process.
