A family successfully sued the retail giant, Walmart, for $2.7 million after their child collided with a shopping cart.
When Saiy’yah Allen-Bey was just seven years old, he accidentally collided with a trolley bay, resulting in a severe head injury that left him with permanent damage. As a consequence, he experienced seizures and required constant care for two and a half years. Tragically, in May 2023, he succumbed to his injuries.
The boy’s family decided to take Walmart to court, accusing them of being responsible for his injuries and seeking legal action. According to their claim, the young boy’s collision with the metal trolley resulted in his unfortunate demise. While I have my reservations about large corporations like Walmart, it is crucial to establish a reasonable threshold for assigning blame in such cases.
The child’s family was left shattered by the tragedy that befell their son when he collided with the shopping trolleys. However, it is crucial to note that the incident occurred as he was running around the supermarket without paying attention. In a devastating turn of events, he crashed into one of the trolleys, resulting in severe damage to his head and permanent brain injury. Walmart, on the other hand, contended that the responsibility for the accident lay with the child, thereby asserting their immunity from any legal action.
The family of Saiy’yah Allen-Bey was awarded $9 million by the court in their lawsuit. However, the jury later determined that Walmart was only 30% responsible, resulting in the family being able to sue Walmart for only 30% of the total settlement. Nonetheless, they were still able to receive $2.7 million in compensation.
Family To Sue Walmart For A Dangerous And Unsafe Condition
The family alleged that the boy collided with the shopping carts because of the hazardous conditions at Walmart, prompting them to file a lawsuit. However, Walmart had a different perspective. “Walmart cannot be held responsible for the incident since the stock cart was clearly visible and should have been easily noticed by the boy, who could have taken precautions by simply avoiding it. Unfortunately, he was not paying attention and was walking backwards, thus failing to notice the conspicuous and harmless stock cart.”
While it pains me to acknowledge this, I must agree to some extent, despite the heartbreaking loss of their child. Life cannot be shielded from all harm, and unfortunate accidents do occur. Our world is inherently risky, and a momentary lapse in vigilance can sometimes lead to devastating outcomes.
It is only fair for the family to pursue legal action against Walmart to seek appropriate compensation. It is commendable that the company is willing to assist the bereaved family in their time of need. Considering Walmart’s vast resources, a payout of $2.7 million would hardly make a dent in their finances. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that accidents can occur despite precautions taken.
