Wood River Walmart accused of negligence over fall in parking lot

A man who allegedly fell on ice outside the Wood River Walmart is accusing the company of negligence.

Daniel C. Merli filed a complaint against Walmart Stores Inc. on Sept. 26 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Merli claims he was hurt in the parking lot of the Walmart store in Wood River on Jan. 4. According to the lawsuit, he was "walking outside in the handicapped area where the snow had been cleared by Walmart Inc. and stepped back on black ice and fell to the ground."

Merli says he suffered permanent injuries to his right shoulder and arm.

Merli accuses Walmart of negligence for allegedly failing to adequately clear the snow and ice from the parking lot where customers with disabilities must park and walk. He asks to be paid more than $50,0000 for medical expenses plus court costs.

Attorney Bob L. Perica with The Perica Law Firm in Wood River represents Merli.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 14-L-1319