BELLEVILLE – A shopper is suing Walmart after he was allegedly struck by a cart being pushed by an employee while at a Sparta store.
Plaintiff James Gantner filed the lawsuit in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Wal-Mart Inc. and an employee, citing negligence.
According to the lawsuit, Gantner was a patron at a Walmart store in Sparta on May 5, 2022. He claims that while he was shopping, he was struck by a large cart carrying pick-up containers being pushed by the Walmart employee. As a result, he claims he fell and suffered serious injuries.
Gantner alleges the defendants negligently failed to provide a safe environment to protect the safety of its customers, failed to keep a lookout for customers, failed to properly control an oversized cart and negligently used a cart which obstructed the employee's vision.
Gantner alleges he sustained severe injuries to his spine, which required surgery to correct. He claims he has experienced disability, pain, suffering and mental anguish. He alleges his injuries will impact his ability to earn income and enjoy a normal life. He adds that he has incurred significant medical expenses and will continue to require the services of medical staff to recover.
The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, plus court costs and any other relief the court deems proper. He is represented in this case by attorney Bruce R. Cook of Cook, Bartholomew, Shevlin, Cook & Jones, LLP in Belleville.
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 23LA0644