The idea of a wild stampede of early-bird Wal-Mart shoppers mowing down someone in its quest for a $29.87 DVD player makes hating the store even easier. Newspapers around the world were said to have published the AP wire version of the story. Columnists, such as George Will, found the story irresistable. Could there be a better visual of American excess? It turns out that the woman has a long history of making similar claims, including 9 at Wal-Mart. Here are some of the injury claims: (which were found on Local6.com thanks to Fark):
In 1991, she claimed to have slipped on a puddle of hand lotion while shopping for a curling iron at an Orange City Walgreen’s, causing “permanent injury, disability, disfigurement (and) mental anguish.” She filed suit in 1993, but it was thrown out in January 1994 after a 10-minute hearing.
In 1995, Vanlester reported slipping and falling on liquid or grease while working in the meat department of a Eustis Publix, resulting in more than $1,200 in worker’s compensation.
In 1996, she claimed to have slipped and fallen while working at the layaway desk of a Mt. Dora Wal-Mart, leading to more than $600 in worker’s compensation payments.
And probably the best…
In 1997, she claimed a back strain while working at the snack bar of an Orange City Wal-Mart that was replaced by the Wal-Mart Superstore where she claims to have been trampled last Friday.
December 5th, 2003
