Walmart lawsuit removed to federal court

CHARLESTON - A lawsuit against Walmart Stores East LP and the Home City Ice Company has been removed to federal court.

The defendants moved to have the civil action removed to federal court because the amount in controversy exceeds $75,000, according to a Notice of Removal filed July 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Charleston.

On June 10, 2011, while a paying customer at Walmart, Carolyn Corson slipped and fell due to water at the exit of the store, according to a complaint originally filed in Roane Circuit Court.

Corson and her husband, David Corson, claim she encountered the water in front of the ice coolers as she was exiting the store.

As a result of the fall, Carolyn Corson received serious injuries and incurred medical expenses; has undergone surgeries; has endured pain and suffering; and suffered a loss of enjoyment of life, according to the suit.

The Corsons are seeking compensatory damages. They are being represented by Shannon M. Bland of Bland & Bland.

Wal-mart is being represented by Tanya A. Hunt Handley of MacCorkle Lavender PLLC. The Home City Ice Company is being represented by Randall L. Trautwein and Michael L. Powell of Lamp Bartram Levy Trautwein & Perry PLLC.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia at Charleston case number: 2:13-cv-20955