Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A Walmart shopper alleges she was injured when an employee lost her footing while stocking shelves and caused the shelves to fall.
The woman filed a complaint on Sept. 7 in the Harris County District Court against Walmart Inc. alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, the woman alleges that on Sept. 7, 2016, she was shopping at a Walmart store in Houston when a Walmart employee lost her footing on a ladder while stocking and grabbed the shelf, causing the shelves to fall directly upon the woman’s head, back and hip. She alleges she sustained significant injuries resulting in pain and suffering, emotional distress and medical expenses as a result.
She holds Walmart Inc. responsible because the store failed to consider the safety of consumers present in the aisle by placing a ladder and climbing on it when it was not safe to do so and by failing to provide a spotter to steady the ladder while in use.
She seeks damages of at least $75,000, with interest, costs, attorney’s fees and such other and further relief to which she may show herself justly entitled.
Shelf collapses can often result in serious injuries. If shelves are solid or have heavier or dangerous merchandise such as electronics, appliances, or utensils, any customers in the vicinity can suffer devastating injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Lacerations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Crushed limbs
Store owners have a duty to keep their premises in reasonably safe conditions, which means identifying and eliminating hazards in a timely manner to keep customers free from harm. They are responsible for regularly inspecting the grounds for any potential dangers. If shelves are not properly installed, secured to the walls, inspected, or maintained, and a shelf collapses and causes injuries, the store owner should be held responsible. Injury victims can bring a premises liability claim against the negligent store owner to recover for losses including medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and other damages.
Our Florida Premises Liability Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you if you have suffered any type of injury because of a hazardous property condition. Call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about the necessary steps to take to file your injury claim.