NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The family of a man who was violently killed with a machete while working at a construction site in North Charleston has filed a lawsuit against multiple companies, saying they failed to keep the workplace safe.
David Keith Carter, 57, was attacked by his co-worker, Tyrone Clayton Campbell, 33, on June 19, 2024, while both were working at the SHL Medical construction site on Trade Center Court.
What Happened at the Worksite
Police say Carter and Campbell, both temporary contract workers hired through Labor Finders of South Carolina, got into an argument shortly before 3 p.m. During the argument, Campbell allegedly pushed Carter to the ground and attacked him with a machete, cutting his face, head, and body multiple times.
Court documents reveal Carter was fully conscious during the attack, and begged for his life as he was being slashed.
After the attack, Campbell walked away with the machete in his bag. When police arrived, he refused to drop the weapon and had to be tased before being arrested.
The Legal Case: Why Carter’s Family is Suing
Carter’s estate is now suing SHL Medical, Evans Contracting of North Charleston, and Flooring Services of Goose Creek, arguing that these companies are responsible for allowing a dangerous person to work unsupervised.
The lawsuit accuses the companies of negligence, reckless disregard, and failing to perform a basic background check on Campbell — which the family believes could have prevented Carter’s death.
Campbell’s Criminal History
According to court records, Campbell had a serious criminal background. He had previously been arrested for attempted murder and arson in Orangeburg County, and was on probation at the time of the attack. He was also charged in 2012 for unlawfully carrying a pistol in Berkeley County.
The lawsuit claims the companies involved failed to screen Campbell, did not check for weapons, and did nothing to ensure worker safety.
What the Family Says
“Although the family of David Keith Carter will never get to see him again, it is their hope through this lawsuit that no other family will have to suffer losing a loved one in such a horrific way,” said attorneys Justin Bamberg and Chris Hart, representing Carter’s estate.
They say the goal of the lawsuit is to hold the companies accountable for allowing a violent person onto a construction site without safety checks.
“Mr. Carter was only doing his job to provide for his family,” the attorneys added.
This heartbreaking case raises serious questions about workplace safety, especially on construction sites where temporary workers are often employed. The lawsuit claims that basic precautions could have saved a life. Now, Carter’s family is seeking justice — not just for themselves, but to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
