Were you wrongfully accused of theft, detained, or harmed by Walmart store security? If so, you may have a case against the big box retailer for violating your civil rights, causing you humiliation or loss of reputation, and causing mental trauma due to false imprisonment. Kroger-Diamond & Campos personal injury attorneys can help you seek justice following a false arrest or security-related injuries.
Have You Been Illegally Detained?
U.S. retailers report a 93% increase in shoplifting since 2019. The rise of self-checkout counters following the COVID-19 pandemic correlated with more incidents of theft, with 15% of shoppers admitting they sometimes steal items when using self-checkout. Walmart alone loses an estimated $3 billion each year due to shoplifting, so it’s no wonder that stores are looking for ways to curb losses.
However, recent news stories are bringing attention to cases in which shoppers have been illegally detained due to unfounded accusations of theft. In many of these cases, Walmart’s security policies were in direct conflict with legal standards for restraining someone against their will. Without proof that a shopper was purposefully concealing merchandise with the intent to steal it, store security cannot legally detain them. Even with cause, Walmart security can only legally detain someone for a reasonable period of time while they investigate before they are required to involve local law enforcement.
Store loss prevention employees must have reasonable proof that a shopper has committed theft, such as:
- Store surveillance video footage
- Reliable eyewitness testimony
- Unpaid merchandise on their person
Mistaken Theft and AI-Powered Surveillance
Walmart is increasingly using AI-powered surveillance to monitor self-checkout lanes in an attempt to decrease theft. However, AI isn’t foolproof, and its use has resulted in mistakes and frequent errors. AI may interpret common actions as theft, such as forgetting to scan an item at the bottom of a full shopping cart or failing to detect a barcode during checkout. This leaves honest customers feeling humiliated when they’re accused of shoplifting.
Without proof that a shopper was purposefully concealing merchandise with the intent to steal it, store security cannot legally detain them. Even with cause, Walmart security can only legally detain someone for a reasonable period of time while they investigate before they are required to involve local law enforcement.
Are You Entitled to a Settlement?
If you were falsely accused, arrested, or imprisoned by Walmart security, restrained against your will, or unable to leave the store, you may be entitled to compensation.
Lawsuit settlements for Walmart false arrest and detainment depend on the unique circumstances of your case. Settlement amounts vary widely.
Factors that may drive lawsuit settlement amounts include:
- The severity of your emotional and reputational harm
- How long you were detained
- Whether you suffered financial losses, such as legal fees or lost wages
- Whether you were physically or mentally injured by the accusation or arrest
Talk to Our Experienced Walmart Injury Lawyers Today
If you have been subject to false arrest you should seek legal counsel. The team at Kroger-Diamond & Campos can help. We serve wrongfully accused clients across the United States.
Reach out today to learn more.