In June 2014, actor Tracy Morgan made headlines when he suffered serious injuries after his limo bus was hit by a Walmart truck. An actor traveling with Morgan was killed in the crash, which led to legal claims that resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement with Walmart.

Unfortunately, Morgan is not alone. Walmart personal injury incidents occur every year, and some end lives or result in permanent injury.  An accident at Walmart can include a slip and fall injury in the store, assault, injuries caused by unsafe products, injuries caused by falling shelving or products, and other incidents. Walmart trucks can also cause injury, with a reported 518 accidents involving Walmart trucks, including 21 fatal collisions, between March 2020 and March 2022 alone.

What Kinds of Personal Injuries Tend to Be More Common at Walmart?

If you’re injured at Walmart, you’re not alone. Each year, people suffer serious injuries at Walmart locations and because of collisions with Walmart vehicles. Common injuries can include:

  • Slip and fall injuries. Walmart had <783,557,000 total square feet of store space in 2020, and any square foot of that space can become dangerous if a spill occurs or if debris falls in a pedestrian area and the hazard is not addressed quickly.
  • Injuries caused by falling objects or shelves. To maximize space, Walmart places some items on high shelves. When these items are not properly secured, customers can be injured as they try to retrieve their purchases.
  • Injuries caused by poor maintenance. Walmart has an obligation to correctly fix broken ceiling tiles, refrigerators, flooring, lights, and other parts of their stores, warehouses, and any area where customers may find themselves. When the company fails to do this, injuries can happen. Even a broken sign can lead to a serious cut, while a poorly cleaned store can lead to falls and other injuries.
  • Unsafe products. Customers purchase products at Walmart expecting them to be safe. When products are designed or manufactured negligently and customers are injured, they may have a claim against Walmart as well as the manufacturer.
  • Injuries caused by poor security. Since Walmart attracts many customers and some locations are open 24 hours a day, security is an important issue. If someone is injured because Walmart did not ensure adequate lighting or staffing, the company can be held liable.
  • Injuries outside the store. Walmart is not just responsible for collisions inside the store. Slippery or poorly maintained walkways, entrance doors, and other outdoor spaces can also lead to a legal claim if customers are injured.
  • Truck accidents. Walmart has to get its products to stores safely, and this may mean hiring qualified truck drivers, offering adequate driver training and working conditions, properly maintaining their fleet, and taking other steps to keep our roads safe.

No matter how you have been injured inside a Walmart, by a Walmart vehicle, or outside a Walmart location, you may want to speak with a Walmart personal injury attorney to review your potential case and your rights. If Walmart’s actions led to your injury, you may not need to pay for the costs yourself. You may have a claim against the company.

What Are the Steps Involved in Seeking and Receiving Compensation for Injuries Incurred at Walmart?

The process for seeking compensation starts the moment you are injured by a Walmart truck or at a Walmart location. If you are in a Walmart when you are injured, get the store to call for medical help if you need it and report the incident. Get a copy of the incident report if you can. If you are injured by a Walmart truck, call the police, exchange insurance information with the driver and get medical help if you need it. If you are able to do so in light of your injuries, take photos of the surrounding areas and get the contact information of witnesses.

You may also want to contact a personal injury attorney, who can take care of the steps of securing compensation for you. Working with an attorney will involve several steps:

  • You will consult with your attorney to determine whether you have a claim.
  • If you decide to pursue a lawsuit, your attorney will file the claim, giving each party a chance to respond.
  • During the discovery process, all parties will uncover and share facts about the case.
  • As part of the discovery process, you may need to speak to attorneys representing the other parties.
  • Your case may go through mediation and negotiations.
  • If you cannot reach a settlement, your case will go to trial.

At any point during the process, you may settle with the defendants. Your attorney can help you determine whether a settlement offer is a good idea and can help you review any offers. If you do accept a settlement, the claims process will stop.

How Do You Know If You Have a Case Against Walmart?

You may be able to sue Walmart for injury or loss if the actions of Walmart or Walmart employees caused your injury and your injury resulted in losses, such as medical bills or loss of income. The challenge is that it might not always be obvious whether Walmart is liable, which is why you may wish to speak to a personal injury attorney if you have been injured at Walmart.

An attorney can review your situation, explain your rights, and find all liable parties. An attorney can also help you with the many steps needed for a successful recovery.

What Should You Do Immediately and in the Days and Weeks Following a Personal Injury at Walmart?

If you have suffered an injury or accident at Walmart, you will want to get medical help for any injury you have suffered. You will also want to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your incident, so your attorney can start the process of building a strong case.

In addition, speak to your attorney about your social media use, since posting even innocent comments and pictures on your social media can affect your case. In the days and weeks following your injury, continue your medical treatments and follow all medical advice, so your injury is treated seriously and so you have the best chance at healing.

How Can an Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Like Johnson Garcia Help?

Deciding to sue Walmart for injury is a big step. If you’ve been injured at Walmart or by a Walmart truck, you can expect the company to use its considerable financial resources to try to minimize its liability. An experienced attorney is ready for the steps Walmart is likely to take and can counter with strong evidence of your injury and how it has affected your life, so you have the best chance at recovery.

An experienced attorney also genuinely cares about your situation and works diligently to seek the best compensation possible. Johnson Garcia has recovered over $100 million on behalf of our clients, and we also offer 24/7 support, Saturday and evening meeting times, a bilingual staff, and contingency billing so you can pursue a legitimate claim without worrying about high costs upfront. Our team has over 30 years of combined experience and we provide a friendly and kind atmosphere to help you feel at ease.

Being injured at Walmart is enough of a challenge. Allow Johnson Garcia’s record of results and our unwavering commitment to clients to make a difference for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.