Francille Matassa has taken legal action against a major retail corporation, alleging negligence and seeking damages for injuries purportedly sustained at one of its stores. The complaint was filed by Francille Matassa in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on January 16, 2025, naming Wal-Mart Inc. as the defendant.
The lawsuit revolves around an incident that allegedly occurred at a Wal-Mart store located at 1125 Shreveport Barksdale Highway in Shreveport, Louisiana. Matassa claims that she suffered injuries due to unsafe conditions on the premises. In response, Wal-Mart Inc., along with Wal-Mart Louisiana, LLC, has filed an answer denying all allegations presented in Matassa's petition for damages. The defendants assert that they are not liable for any injuries claimed by Matassa and have provided several defenses to support their position.
In their detailed response, Wal-Mart denies any responsibility for the alleged accident and suggests that Matassa herself may be at fault. "Defendants affirmatively plead the fault of plaintiff as the sole cause of the damages complained of by plaintiff," states the document. Furthermore, they argue that if any defect existed on their premises—a claim they deny—they had no knowledge or reason to know about it. They also contend that any such defect would have been "open and obvious" to Matassa.
Wal-Mart's defense includes multiple affirmative defenses such as comparative fault, which implies that if there is any liability on their part, it should be reduced in proportion to Matassa's own negligence or that of third parties involved. Additionally, they argue that they are entitled to credits or reductions based on various legal provisions related to medical expenses paid through Medicare or Medicaid.
Matassa seeks a judgment from the court awarding her damages for her injuries; however, Wal-Mart requests a jury trial and prays for dismissal of all claims against them with costs charged to Matassa. They also seek general and equitable relief as deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Wal-Mart Inc. and Wal-Mart Louisiana LLC is attorney Scott R. Wolf from Blanchard, Walker, O’Quin & Roberts law firm based in Shreveport, Louisiana. The case is presided over by Judge Edwards with Magistrate Judge Hornsby assisting in proceedings under Case ID No. 5:25-cv-00057-JE-MLH.