Walmart Slip and Fall Cases & Examples

Walmart, as one of the largest retail chains in the United States, faces thousands of premises liability claims annually—including a significant number of slip and fall lawsuits. These cases arise when customers are injured due to hazardous conditions such as wet floors, cluttered aisles, or poorly maintained entryways. While Walmart employs aggressive defense strategies and third-party claims management firms like CMI (Claims Management, Inc.), courts have repeatedly held the company liable for negligence.

This article explores notable Walmart slip and fall cases, analyzes settlement trends, and outlines what victims should expect when pursuing compensation.

Walmart’s Legal Exposure in Slip and Fall Claims

Walmart stores are high-traffic environments with frequent spills, product displays, and floor maintenance activities. Despite internal safety protocols, lapses in inspection, cleanup, or signage can result in serious injuries. Common hazards include:

Spilled liquids in grocery aisles
Rainwater accumulation near entrances
Fallen merchandise
Loose floor mats or rugs
Poor lighting in parking lots

When Walmart fails to address these hazards in a timely manner, injured customers may pursue damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Notable Walmart Slip and Fall Case Examples

$16.9 Million – West Virginia Abdominal Injury In 2015, Diane Ankrom was knocked over by Walmart employees attempting to stop a shoplifter in Wood County, West Virginia. She suffered severe abdominal injuries and required multiple surgeries. A jury awarded her $16,922,000, including punitive damages. The verdict was upheld by the state’s Supreme Court of Appeals.
$7.5 Million – Alabama Hip Fracture A 61-year-old man tripped over a watermelon display pallet in a Phenix City Walmart. Surveillance footage showed other customers encountering the same hazard. The jury found Walmart guilty of wantonness and negligence, awarding $2.5 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
$1.3 Million – Florida Brain Injury A Florida woman slipped on spilled body wash and struck her head on a display rack. She suffered a traumatic brain injury. Walmart settled for $1.3 million after surveillance footage confirmed the hazard.
$1.2 Million – Florida Arm Injury A man slipped on a Gatorade sign that had fallen to the floor. The incident was captured on Walmart’s surveillance system. A jury awarded $1.2 million for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
$970,000 – Florida Garden Center Fall A customer slipped on water in the garden center and sustained knee, neck, and back injuries. Walmart settled for $970,000.
$689,000 – Florida Back Injury A man suffered a debilitating back injury after slipping in a Walmart aisle. The case settled for $689,000 following expert testimony on the store’s failure to maintain safe conditions.
$525,000 – Tennessee Water Spill In Corley v. Wal-Mart Stores East, LP, a woman slipped on water in a Nashville-area store. Although there was no footage of the fall, video showed employees cleaning the area afterward. Walmart was found 90% liable, and the jury awarded $525,000.
$250,000 – Produce Section Fall A customer slipped on a wet floor near the produce section, breaking their arm and wrist. Walmart settled for $250,000 to cover medical treatment and rehabilitation.
$171,000 – Florida Aisle Spill In D.B. v. Walmart, a shopper slipped on a puddle of milk and injured her back. The case settled for $171,000.
$165,000 – Florida Display Hazard In G.F. v. Walmart, a customer tripped over a poorly placed display. Walmart settled for $165,000.
$60,000 – Florida Garden Department A shopper’s cart became stuck on a rug in the garden department, causing her to fall. Walmart paid $60,000 in damages.
$59,999 – Rubbermaid Display Incident A woman fell when wheels detached from a Rubbermaid garbage can she was purchasing. Walmart and Rubbermaid settled for $59,999.
$58,000 – Meat Section Slip A customer slipped while placing meat in her cart. She was later told she had slipped on a banana peel. Walmart settled for $58,000.
$50,000 – Aisle-End Display Fall A shopper slipped on a slick floor near an aisle-end display. Walmart paid $50,000 in damages.
$15,000 – Garden Department Rug Hazard A customer tripped over a rug in the garden department. Walmart settled for $15,000.
Donald Kimble v. Walmart – $73,525 In 1989, a Louisiana man tripped over small rocking chairs in an aisle-end display. He recovered $73,525.18 in damages.
Silvers v. Walmart – Rainwater Slip In a 2002 Florida appellate case, a shopper slipped on rainwater while approaching store carts. The court found Walmart liable for failing to address the hazard.
Walmart v. Reggie – Known Hazard In a 1998 case, the court concluded Walmart knew or should have known about the condition that caused a customer to fall. The appellate court upheld the verdict.
Confidential Settlement – Entryway Fall A woman slipped on rainwater near the store entrance. Walmart settled confidentially after discovery revealed inadequate floor mats and drainage.
Confidential Settlement – Employee Negligence A customer slipped on spilled detergent that employees failed to clean. The case settled privately after depositions revealed prior complaints.

Walmart’s Defense Strategy

Walmart often uses CMI (Claims Management, Inc.) to handle injury claims. CMI representatives may attempt to minimize liability or settle quickly for low amounts. Victims should avoid signing documents or accepting offers without legal counsel. Walmart’s legal team is aggressive, and surveillance footage is often used to dispute claims.

Damages in Walmart Slip and Fall Cases

Victims may recover:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Final Thoughts

Walmart slip and fall cases vary widely in outcome, but courts have repeatedly held the company accountable for unsafe conditions. Victims should act quickly to preserve evidence, seek medical care, and consult an experienced premises liability attorney or slip and fall accident attorney. With proper documentation and legal strategy, substantial compensation is possible—even against a corporate giant.

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