A jury in West Virginia has returned a nearly $17 million verdict after a woman was injured when Wal-mart employees were trying to catch a shoplifter in a store.
The verdict was issued on Monday.
53-year-old Diane Ankrom claims Wal-mart employees tried to detain the shoplifter when the suspect ran into her shopping cart. Diane was pushing her granddaughter at the moment of impact. Diane then fell to the ground with the cart falling on top of her.
Lawyers for Diane says that she suffered internal injuries that required surgeries.
A Walmart spokesman says they are sympathetic to Diane’s injuries but believe the shoplifter is responsible. Wal-mart is evaluating post-trial options.
The jury found Walmart 30 percent responsible and the shoplifter 70 percent.
