Dollar Tree sued after woman falls because of shopping buggy

NEW ORLEANS - A Terrebonne Parish woman has filed a lawsuit claiming she suffered a head injury after a shopping buggy fell and caused an iron pipe to also fall.

Loretta Stewart filed suit against Dollar Tree Stores Inc. on Dec. 6 in Terrebonne Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on Dec. 20.

The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 8, 2013 as Stewart was a patron at the Dollar Tree located in Houma. While she was waiting in line to pay for her merchandise, a patron in front of her caused a shopping buggy to fall. As a result of that shopping buggy falling in front of Stewart, an iron PVC rod/pipe attached to the buggy that fell in front of her, struck Stewart in the head.

The defendant is accused of negligence for failing to see what they should have known in regards to the dangerous nature of the device attached to its shopping cart, failing to keep and maintain regular and sufficient policy in regards to the shopping buggies, failing to warn patrons about the dangers the rods presented if the shopping buggies fell around or near a patron, and for failing to properly train, monitor and/or supervise its employees, regarding the danger of the rods.

Stewart is seeking an award of damages for mental pain and suffering, medical expenses, interest, and court costs.

The plaintiff is represented by Houma attorney Kevin D. Thompson.

U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:13-cv-06755