This is a true story of a former Wal-Mart employee who was falsely accused of shoplifting a pouch of chewing tobacco and fired from his job weeks after the incident occurred. The motive for Wal-Mart’s actions was the result of a comment made to a brash Loss Prevention supervisor after he made a bad impression by such allegations. It took five years and a trial to obtain the original investigative report and expose Wal-Mart’s bad decisions. Wal-Mart knew of, but failed to disclose, this report during discovery, an abuse of the system which Wal-Mart could not defend their illogical decisions and their own witness’s states so under oath. A jury returned a verdict in my favor with an $8,500,000 damage award.
This jury award was a slap in Wal-Mart’s smiley face, and they cried. It “shocked their conscience” and David defeated Goliath once again. This is a tell all book of Wal-Mart and how they continue to treat their employees, vendors, and even their customers. It discusses the terrible business practices and underhanded legal maneuvers by a well known company which affects every family in the world. It has tidbits of humor scattered throughout, with actual trial transcripts and real names of everyone involved. Perhaps you know some of these people.
This book is similar to a who-done-it and was written to enlighten as well as entertain. After reading, you be the judge and determine right versus wrong, and whether or not Wal-Mart is a good and honest neighbor. This book covers vital topics, is educational, and once read, you may never enter another Wal-Mart. And if you do, you will at least be aware that you are a potential thief, by Wal-Mart’s standards. Could Wal-Mart be the next Enron or Worldcom? You be the judge.
A former State Trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, I offer expert testimony in State and Federal Courts, often traveling out-of-state to testify as to liability in the field of auto accident investigation/ reconstruction. This expertise is what attracted Wal-Mart, which lead to Wal-Mart breaking their own policies, rules and regulations to employ me.
Deputized and sworn, I also serve as Court Bailiff/Security with all county Circuit and Chancery Court filings and trials.
Wal-Mart apparently wasn’t aware of my honesty and integrity, and because of my good nature and caring for others, took issue when I stood in defense of those who were mistreated. After stepping on the “big boys” toes for seven and one-half years, Wal-Mart made the decision to eliminate me from the system.
A shoplifting allegation seemed easy for them, but was a grave mistake. And I proved it to them. I hit them where it hurt, in the pocketbook. Sadly, I had an impeccable record with this corporate giant, and it was reduced to a life turned up-side-down by their behavior. Even now, five years after a trial, their reprehensible behavior exists as they continue to mistreat their employees, vendors, and now even their customers.
It is my goal to show that Wal-Mart is not a welcomed neighbor in communities it has yet to blight. Maybe someday, before it’s too late, someone will take a firm grip on matters relating to this company’s bad record over the years, and correct the ongoing mistakes that are made. But then again, we are Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart takes a "country whippin" from a former employee who was falsely accused of shoplifting. A $1.49 pouch of chewing tobacco cost the corporate giant $8,500,000.
Courage and pride motivated this lawsuit. And to all of you who read this book, please heed the warning I impose upon you for believing that Wal-Mart is a good and honest neighbor.
"Shocks the conscience" and "the jury was made up from a group of unsophisticated citizens" cried Wal-Mart's elite team of defense lawyers after the verdict.
Wal-Mart was pitiful in representing any defense for their actions, and actually felt they could waltz into small town America and "rough shod" over the citizens there. Their arrogance and grandiose sense of self resulted in at least two major legal blunders that anyone in the legal profession should note.
No reasonable person would give Lamon Griggs $8,500,000 in spite of the alleged fact that he stole tobacco. No reasonable person would give a dime to anyone who steals. The jury did not believe Wal-Mart. (Plaintiff attorney Luther Fisher)
Wal-Mart dismissively stated that Lamon Griggs was "portrayed as an honest do-gooder". The fact is, he is one. The jury believed he is one, as well, and considered what being called an habitual thief would do to someone with that kind of reputation. (Plaintiff attorney Luther Fisher)
As was said from the stand, Wal-Mart is always right. This time it wasn't. Wal-Mart was wrong and they lied to cover it up. (Plaintiff attorney Luther Fisher)
"What do they teach in Arkansas? Is there something in the drinking water in Arkansas that says perjury is all right?" (A clearly frustrated Judge in Alabama)
After fining Wal-Mart $120,000 in Davis vs. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the trial judge wrote "Rarely has this court seen such a pattern of deliberate obfuscation, delay, misrepresentation, and down right lying to another party and this court." (979 S.W. 2d30 Texas Ct. App. 1998)
"Not only in this court, but in others as well, Wal-Mart has demonstrated a pattern of desiring to flaunt the rules, to hide, to cheat, and to give false answers under oath. It is apparent that Wal-Mart has a corporate policy of frustrating the discovery process in Texas Courts." (Distrct Judge James Mchaffy, Meissner vs. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., A-159, 432)
Wal-Mart averages eleven new lawsuits each day. The Wal-of-Shame has paid out over $305,000,000 to settle off-the-clock claims only.