Christmas shopper sues Wal-Mart for fall in aisle

The day before Christmas 2007, Susan Henderson braved the crowds at Wal-Mart to pick up some last minute items. But before she could cross everything off her shopping list, she tripped over some packaging material.

Nearly two years later, Henderson has filed suit against the mega-retailer, alleging Wal-Mart negligently failed to hire competent employees and implement policies on properly removing packaging materials.

The suit was filed Dec. 9 in Jefferson County District Court.

According to her suit, Henderson was a customer at the Beaumont Wal-Mart off of Dowlen Road. While she was walking down an aisle,"she tripped on packaging material left on the floor by Wal-Mart employees, who were in the course and scope of their employment."

"As a result of the fall, plaintiff suffered severe and permanent injuries to her body," the suit states. "Wal-Mart ... failed to properly train employees regarding the proper manner of removing packaging material."

The plaintiff is suing for past and future mental anguish, medical expenses and lost wages, plus attorney's fees.

She is represented by Beaumont attorney Clint Brasher.

Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. E185-453