A Walmart shopper has been awarded $1.2 million after an employee hit her with a shopping cart.
Tammy Callihan was at a store in 2020 in Jasper, Georgia — about 60 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmwhen she was struck by a cart.
The incident left Callihan with neck and back injuries as well as upsetting a previous disc herniation which required spinal surgery .
We’re pleased the jury recognized the impact the severe injuries had on Ms. Callihan’s life,” said attorney Robert Fickett, according to ABC affiliate WSB-TV .
“She now experiences daily, recurrent pain that limits the activities of her daily life, including holding her grandchildren and walking her dog.
“I’m proud we were able to secure justice for our client and provide her with some peace of mind as she moves forward with her life.”
Fickett had initially declined Walmart’s highest offer of $350,000.
Callihan’s settlement is not the only big payout the company is making this year.
Walmart has also agreed to pay New Jersey $1.64 million after illegally pricing items at their 64 locations.
The settlement includes a whopping $1.62 million civil penalty as well as an additional $25,000 for investigative and legal costs.
It is the largest settlement attained by the Office of Weights and Measures of the state Division of Consumer Affairs.
On May 18, Matthew Platkin, New Jersey’s attorney general, said Walmart violated the state’s Consumer Fraud Act and Unit Pricing Disclosure Act when it gave inaccurate prices to shoppers across all 64 locations, according to MidJersey.News .
“As the price of grocery items continues to rise, it’s more important than ever to ensure consumers have all the information they need—and are entitled to by law—to make educated decisions on how to spend their money,” said Platkin, according to the outlet.
“The significant fine Walmart will pay as a result of this settlement sends a clear message that New Jersey will not allow retailers to engage in unlawful pricing practices that deny shoppers the ability to easily compare prices to figure out which product is a better buy.”
Walmart must pay $1,616,0.91 to the state of New Jersey.
She now experiences daily, recurrent pain that limits the activities of her daily life, including holding her grandchildren and walking her dog. Robert Fickett Tammy Callihan’s lawyer
The retailer was also charged $18,509 for investigative costs and $6,900 in lawyer fees, totaling a whopping $1,641,500 fine.
Under the UPDA, a grocery store must show the price for items such as food and cleaning products using a standard unit of measurement, such as quart or pound.
When retailers use unit pricing, it allows customers to easily compare prices and determine what the best value is for their money .
New Jersey alongside Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont have mandatory unit pricing laws.
Walmart told The U.S. Sun, “We believe a settlement is in the best interest of all involved.”
“We’ll always work to provide our customers every day low prices they can count on.”
The retailer also said it “takes seriously its obligations to provide accurate unit prices to enable customers to comparison shop,” according to the consent order between New Jersey and Walmart.
Not only was the company required to pay money to the state but it was also asked to make some business changes to prevent similar issues in the future.
These include complying with all state and federal laws, providing training when onboarding new employees that discusses pricing laws within 90 days of the settlement, and conducting internal audits for the next three years.