Suit against Wal-Mart alleging renal failure death settles

A Madison County lawsuit blaming Wal-Mart for a customer’s kidney failure death has settled.

Cheryl Raines sued in 2012 claiming her husband Roger Raines was shopping at a Jerseyville store when he tripped over a crate with a roll of fabric laid on top of it. The crate was serving as a display in an aisle next to a desk, however, because of its location it was difficult to see, according to the complaint.

Because of his fall, Roger Raines developed renal failure and rhabdomyolysis, which is a condition in which skeletal tissue rapidly breaks down. Cheryl Raines argued that her husband also experienced great pain and suffering for the 14 days from the fall until his death, and incurred medical costs.

Michael P. Glisson of Williamson, Webster, Falb and Glisson in Alton represented Raines.

James DeFranco of DeFranco & Bradley in Belleville represented Wal-Mart.

Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth on April 25 ordered the case dismissed with prejudice with each side bearing its own costs.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 12-L-391.