Wal-Mart sued by woman whose electric cart broke when she sat in it

GRETNA – A woman claims she was injured after the seat in an electric cart at Wal-Mart broke beneath her, tossing her onto the floor.

Shirley Maxie, and husband Willie, filed suit against Wal-Mart Louisiana LLC, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and their insurer in the 24th Judicial District Court on Jan. 2.

Maxie alleges she was shopping at the Wal-Mart located at 8912 Veterans Blvd. in Metairie on Jan. 4, 2014.

She claims she stood up from an electric cart provided by the store to pay at the self checkout lane. But, when she sat back down in the electric cart the back of it broke off and she fell backwards onto the floor. Maxie asserts she received severe injuries in the incident including to her back, shoulders, head and neck.

The defendant is accused of failing to remove the electric cart from use, failing to properly inspect the electric cart, failing to warn of a dangerous situation and failing to use reasonable care.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for bodily injury, mental anguish, physical suffering, medical expenses and travel expenses.

Maxie is represented by Jana Lindner McCaffery of the Metairie-based Law Office of Jana Lindner McCaffery LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division D Judge Scott U. Schlegel.

Case no. 745-501.