Port St. Lucie Wal-Mart Pays $1.3 Million for Slip and Fall
Retail stores strive to offer a pleasant shopping experience for their customers, but what happens when they neglect to make it a safe experience?
Tom P. did not expect his life to change when he entered a Wal-Mart in Pt. St. Lucie, Florida in May 2011. As part of an effort to promote a sports drink, Wal-Mart hung a sign above a display of the product. However, the sign was not properly installed and eventually fell to the ground in front of the display. Mr. P. was carrying a heavy case of water bottles through that section of the store. He slipped on the sign on the floor, tearing his right bicep tendon.
Wal-Mart and other big box retailers specifically invite people into their stores to spend money. Their goal is for people to walk in and around the store with large cases of water and other items for purchase. Therefore, Wal-Mart must have employees on alert at all times to make sure their aisles are clear of debris. This slippery sign left on the floor was a needlessly dangerous condition, and it caused additional problems for Mr. P. beyond the initial serious injuries he sustained. As a beverage distribution manager, he also lost his position due to his inability to perform the functions of his job, leading to immense anxiety about his future.
Last month, a circuit court jury awarded Mr. P $1.3 million in a verdict against Wal-Mart. However, he still lives with the pain of the lifelong defect known as “Popeye deformity,” as he suffers from abnormal budges on his right bicep.
If you or a loved one sustained an injury in a slip and fall accident similar to what happened in this case, Dell & Schaefer may be able to obtain compensation for your hardship and pain. Since 1979, we have represented people all over Florida win their cases against negligent businesses. Contact our firm today at (800) 383-7853 today to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations. We represent personal injury clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge any legal fees or costs unless we make a recovery for you.
