Falling Merchandise Causes Permanent Injuries

Case Overview

This case takes place in Texas and involves a woman who was shopping at a grocery store and was severely injured by a falling display of boxes. The stack of boxes was located on a pallet, and not properly stacked or secured on a shelf. When the woman reached to pick up boxes of the product, the display fell on her head and caused significant injuries which will require lifetime care. This case required an expert on store displays, proper method of operation, and premises liability.

Questions to the Business expert and their responses

Do you have experience with supermarket / retail safety and displays?

I have over 35 years of experience managing supermarkets and other retail stores. There are specific operational procedures to ensure the safety of the consumer that were clearly ignored in this case, as obviously this sort of situation should not be able to occur.

Do you have experience as a manager of grocery store / retail operation?

I have over 35 years of experience managing supermarkets and other retail stores.

What makes you qualified to serve as an expert on this case?

I can speak to guidelines and can speak from an operational perspective as to why displays should be built and proper precautions.

Do you have experience as an expert witness on a similar matter to the above?

I have reviewed a number of supermarket safety cases of a similar nature in the past.

Are you familiar with customer accidents from displays similar to the above?

With this type of display, shoppers should not be able to threaten the stability of the display in the course of selecting items.

About the expert

This highly qualified expert has over 35 years of experience in the retail supermarket industry. His previous positions have included various managerial roles such as store manager and regional manager. He then served as President and CEO of 4 supermarket chains. He is currently an Independent Consultant providing consulting services including business practices, safety practices, strategic planning, and cost controls for the retail supermarket industry.