Santos’s death is now the subject of a lawsuit in Middlesex Superior Court that seeks to hold Walmart Stores Inc. accountable for actions of contractors and subcontractors that build and renovate the retail giant’s stores. The plaintiffs, who seek $5 million in damages from Walmart and two subcontractors, allege the conditions that led to Santos’s electrocution are part of a pattern of unsafe practices at Walmart construction sites, including the hiring of unlicensed contractors and so-called straw men to obtain local permits.
In the Santos case, state inspection records show that one of Walmart’s subcontractors hired a licensed Massachusetts electrician solely to obtain permits, then used unlicensed electricians on the site. Additionally, the project’s general contractor, a company that worked almost exclusively for Walmart, was cited for using unlicensed contractors during a Walmart renovation in Louisiana, according to Louisiana inspection records.
An electrical subcontractor involved in building an Indiana Walmart was also sanctioned for safety violations after a massive electrical explosion at the store killed a worker and severely injured two others.
Brian A. Joyce, the lawyer for the Santos family and a state senator from Milton, said he believes Walmart used unlicensed, untrained, and unsupervised workers at its sites because it wanted to cut costs.
“It shocks the conscience,’’ Joyce said. And “in this instance, resulted in the death of a good and hard-working man.’’
The case has come to light as Walmart attempts to expand in Greater Boston and across the Northeast. Walmart spokesman Greg Rossiter said the company is not responsible for safety violations by subcontractors, and its general contractors are required to report whether they violated federal safety laws.
“We require the contractors we hire to comply with all applicable laws and regulations,’’ Rossiter said. “That is their responsibility.’’
…
Santos, who was single, immigrated to Massachusetts shortly after his 40th birthday, leaving his mother, family, and hometown outside Rio de Janeiro.
