Warning: Watch Out for Black Friday
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The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday- the day for stores to open their doors to bargain shoppers looking for holiday discounts.
Two years ago it was more than a discount that Cecelia Brannen found. She and her husband were at the Wal-Mart in Starke trying to buy a laptop computer for their daughter.
Cecelia was second in line, things looked good. Then she was pushed and pushed until she landed under a pile of bodies and feet.
Now instead of saving $100, she's spent $100,000 on medical bills.
The Brannens have sued Wal-Mart for its failure to control the crowds. Cecelia says they should have handed out tickets to the first people on line.
"The next thing I know I was on the floor in the fetal position praying to God that somebody would find me. They stepped on my thighs, my breast, on my shoulders. I had bruises all over my body.
Ronald Brannen calls it America's version of running with the bulls.
Today Cecelia says she is in constant pain and walks with a cane. Her attorney, Charles Sorenson, says he has handled several similar cases against the giant retailler. All usually settle out of court with a confidentiality clause. Sorenson believes for every once lawsuit, ten go unreported.
In a statement Wal-Mart released to First Coast News it says, "The safety and security of customers and associates is a top priority at Wal-Mart. We have enhanced our training and procedures to help prevent unforeseen circumstances, however rare. We also have scheduled additional staff to help ensure that our customers' shopping experience is as smooth as possible."
Black Friday is this week. Please be careful out there.
For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Worksite Injuries.