An octogenarian from Lanaudière demands nearly $100,000 from Walmart in a brawl in the style of “David vs. Goliath” after he was seriously injured by a box lying around in the store.
“What impressed me about this lady was that she was very proud. “Not being so independent and free at her age has greatly affected her self-esteem,” complains Me Céleste Anctil, the lawyer representing Réjeanne Gravel in her civil case against Walmart.
$91,980
The woman is demanding $91,980 from the American giant for the inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of life she has suffered since April 8.
Violent fall
That day, the Terrebonne resident went shopping at the Montée Masson store in Mascouche.
It is said that Ms. Gravel took half a liter of milk from a refrigerator on the dairy products shelf.
As he turned around, his feet allegedly hit a milk crate that was “suddenly and inappropriately” in his path, they say.
The 82-year-old woman then fell violently to the ground, court records state.
It is stated that she felt “severe pain” in her right shoulder and face.
Under the force of the impact, Ms. Gravel even lost her glasses, which shattered on the ground, as we can see in the photos submitted as evidence.
Evidence submitted in court
The woman was then taken to a hospital, it is said.
“If it weren’t for the negligence and gross recklessness of [Walmart]Is it possible to read the legs in the query? [Réjeanne Gravel] would not have collided head-on with the caisson, which was left precariously in the aisle where the public moves, and he would never have fallen or sustained injuries.”
In particular, it is noted in detail that the client suffered from a shoulder dislocation and a significant fracture, which left her right arm unable to move, despite being right-handed.
I Céleste Anctil, lawyer for Réjeanne Gravel. Photo courtesy of Juriseo Lawyers
Persistent pain
Ms. Gravel then underwent two operations that left “unsightly” scars, it is said.
Evidence submitted in court
The court document describes how the widow, who lives alone, would have difficulty meeting her basic needs due to the constant pain.
She complains in her application that anyone who has always been active has to cancel trips and give up hobbies such as knitting.
In addition, the octogenarian's lawyer is aware that the civil proceedings initiated involve two parties that are not of equal size.
“We only agree financially, she [Walmart] I have more resources than Madame,” affirms Me Anctil, who does not shy away from comparing this fight to that of “David against Goliath”.
“But the impact it had on his life…” she continues. To me, that's a big part of the damage. This made me feel a lot of compassion for her.”
Walmart had not responded to our questions as of press time.
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