US man wins $7.5mn verdict against Walmart over watermelon injury
What's the story
An Alabama man recently won a $7.5 million verdict against Walmart over a hip injury he suffered while buying watermelons at the global retail giant in 2015. According to 61-year-old Henry Walker, his foot got trapped in a pallet under a box of watermelons while he was grocery shopping at Walmart four years ago. As a result, he fell and injured his hip.
Reaction
Walmart disappointed with verdict, will appeal
Walmart, however, is disappointed with the court ruling and feels the damages awarded were excessive. It intends to appeal. Though Walker's attorney argued that Walmart should have had the pallet covered and made sure the display was safe for customers, the retailer maintained the injury was Walker's fault. Walmart added that the display wasn't dangerous and was being used in stores across the US.
Quote
Walmart continues to display watermelons in the same manner
During the court filing, the multinational company reportedly said, "Walmart continues to display watermelons in the same manner as it did on June 25, 2015. These displays come to the store from the producer already packaged and ready to be dropped and displayed."