A negligence lawsuit has been filed against a local mortuary and its employees following an incident that left a Senior Deputy Medical Examiner injured. The complaint, filed by Armando Chavez in the Ventura Superior Court on June 18, 2024, names Otto Louis Schimmel doing business as Cathedral Mortuary, Scheco, Inc., Luis Tapia, and Susan Obando as defendants.
The case stems from an incident on August 15, 2022, when Chavez was performing a death investigation at an apartment in Ventura County. During this investigation, Chavez alleges that two employees of Cathedral Mortuary and Scheco, Inc., Luis Tapia and Susan Obando, demonstrated gross negligence in their duties. According to the complaint, these employees were untrained and unqualified for the task of safely transporting deceased persons. The plaintiff asserts that due to their lack of training and experience, they struggled to maneuver the body onto a gurney properly. In particular, Obando's inability to handle her side of the load led Chavez to intervene to prevent the body from falling. Unfortunately, this resulted in Chavez sustaining a serious back injury when Obando unexpectedly let go of her end.
Chavez’s complaint accuses the defendants of negligence and negligent hiring/retention/supervision/training. He claims that both Otto Louis Schimmel dba Cathedral Mortuary and Scheco, Inc., failed to provide adequate training to their employees regarding the safe transportation of deceased persons. "Defendant employees Luis Tapia and Susan Obando were inexperienced, untrained and unqualified," states the complaint. It further alleges that this lack of proper training directly led to Chavez's injuries.
The plaintiff is seeking general damages for his physical and emotional injuries as well as special damages according to proof. Additionally, he requests interest where applicable by law and compensation for costs incurred during litigation. The complaint also seeks any further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Armando Chavez are attorneys John H. Howard (State Bar Number 91027), Brett C. Templeman (State Bar Number 224104), and Benjamin L. Baumer (State Bar Number 320961) from Lowthorp Richards LLP. The case is presided over by Judge Brenda L. McCormick under Case ID: 2024CUPP026035.