A Louisiana resident has taken legal action against a major retail corporation, alleging negligence and seeking damages for injuries sustained on their premises. Dominique Taylor filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana on January 28, 2025, naming Wal-Mart Claims Services, Inc., among others, as defendants.
The lawsuit stems from an incident at a Wal-Mart store located at 1125 Shreveport Barksdale Highway in Shreveport, Louisiana. Taylor claims that due to the negligence of Wal-Mart Louisiana, LLC, she suffered injuries while shopping. The plaintiff accuses the company of failing to maintain safe premises and is seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages incurred as a result of the alleged accident. In response to these allegations, Wal-Mart has categorically denied all claims made by Taylor in her Petition for Damages. They argue that any fault lies solely with Taylor herself or third parties not under their control.
Wal-Mart's defense hinges on several key points: they assert that there was no defect on their premises contributing to Taylor's injuries and claim ignorance of any potential hazards if such defects existed. Furthermore, they argue that any supposed defects were "open and obvious" to Taylor and should have been avoided through reasonable care on her part. Additionally, Wal-Mart seeks to limit its liability by pointing out that some medical expenses claimed by Taylor may have been covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Under relevant U.S. codes and Louisiana statutes, they argue this would preclude her from recovering those costs directly from them.
The retail giant also highlights potential reductions in liability based on comparative negligence principles—suggesting that if any damages are awarded against them (which they deny), these should be proportionately reduced according to Taylor's own contributory negligence or actions by third parties involved in causing her injury.
Taylor's legal representation is being handled by Jennifer R. Woodland of Woodland Law Firm LLC based in Haughton, Louisiana. Meanwhile, Scott R. Wolf from Blanchard Walker O'Quin & Roberts APC represents Wal-Mart’s interests throughout this litigation process before Judge Edwards presiding over case number 5:25-cv-00092-JE-MLH with Magistrate Judge Hornsby assisting proceedings as needed.