Wal-Mart shopper slips and sues

A Wal-Mart shopper is suing the retail store after she slipped and fell on an unknown substance that was left on the floor.

Jefferson Parish resident Gail Ferchaud filed suit against Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Aug. 27 in St. Charles Parish District Court. Wal-Mart removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Oct. 1.

The accident occurred on Sept. 7, 2009 as Ferchaud was shopping at the Wal-Mart store located in Boutte. She states she was walking in an aisle where a crate of products was left in the center of the aisle when she slipped and fell. Ferchaud states there was an unknown substance left on the floor.

Wal-Mart is accused of carelessly and negligent permitting and allowing a foreign substance to remain on the floor of the premises for an unreasonable period of time, for failing to remove the foreign substance, failing to properly maintain the floors of the premises in a clean safe condition, failing to supervise and inspect the premises, failing to warn and take precautionary steps to remedy a known dangerous condition.

Ferchaud is seeking damages for physical pain and suffering, permanent disability, medical expenses, loss of wages, loss of earning capacity, interest and court costs.

She is represented by Gerald P. Webre of Webre Law Firm in Metairie and Malcolm B. Robinson, Jr. in Metairie.

U.S. District Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv03337