A shopper in Alabama who tripped and broke his hip while buying a watermelon at a Walmart has won a $7.5 million verdict against the retailer.
Henry Walker of Phenix City, Alabama was awarded the damages earlier this week after a jury trial. Walker had sued Walmart, saying his foot got trapped in a pallet beneath the watermelons as he reached for one at the Phenix City Walmart in June 2015.
Walker’s attorneys say Walmart should have covered the pallet so it couldn’t entangle a shopper’s foot. The retailer maintains the display was not dangerous, and any negligence was Walker’s fault. In fact, according to court records, Walmart says the same watermelon displays are still used today.
Walmart spokesman Randy Hargrove says “We are disappointed in the verdict. We appreciate the jury’s service, however we believe the damages awarded were excessive in light of the facts of this case.”
Walmart plans to appeal.