Falling Merchandise Injures Customer In Big Box Retail Store

Case Overview

This case takes place in Michigan and involves a woman who was shopping in a wholesale store for restaurant supplies and food packaging. She was attempting to buy a large supply of takeout containers when a stack of supplies adjacent to her containers fell on her. The containers were stacked on top of one another, and it has been estimated that the containers were at least 10 feet high. As a result, the plaintiff suffered severe head and neck damage which required surgery.

Questions to the Retail Store expert and their responses

Are you responsible for ensuring that products are not stacked too high?

I am intimately familiar with the guidelines for adequately storing and shelving goods in a retail store setting - specifically, boxes (which in this instance held containers for restaurant supply purposes). These guidelines will dictate the reasonable height of the boxes in this setting, which consider a number of factors such as stability of the box and its contents.

Are you responsible for shopper safety?

I have extensive training and OSHA certifications with a primary focus on food and retail safety. These industry specific safety protocols must be adhered to when stacking products in a retail setting to ensure the safety of consumers.

About the expert

This expert has been trained in a variety of OSHA certifications, focusing on retail store safety and food safety, in a retail setting. He is a recognized leading management professional who utilizes his immense training and background in safety to ensure operational excellence. He has consulted as an expert witness on cases involving merchandise and display safety in a retail setting, as well as material handling operations for retail businesses.

E-008856

Specialties:

Retail Store