Charleston Shopper Breaks Wrist After Walmart Fails to Collect Runaway Shopping Carts
A Charleston Walmart shopper fractured her wrist when a runaway cart struck her in the parking lot. David Traywick analyzes the retailer's premises liability duty and how to prove negligence in SC slip-and-fall adjacent cases.
Informational purposes only. This article discusses a recent news event and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different — contact Traywick Law Offices for a free evaluation.
The Incident
On October 1, 2025, a shopper at a Charleston Walmart suffered a fractured wrist after being struck by a runaway shopping cart in the parking lot. According to reports, the cart rolled freely across the lot due to high winds and a lack of proper collection by store employees. The shopper was walking toward her car when the incident occurred, leaving her injured and in significant pain.
Runaway shopping carts are a common hazard in retail parking lots, and this case highlights the importance of proper maintenance and safety protocols. The injured shopper now faces medical expenses and lost time from work, raising serious questions about Walmart's responsibility to prevent such accidents.
What South Carolina Law Says
Under South Carolina premises liability law, property owners and occupiers owe a duty of care to those legally on their premises. Specifically, SC Code § 15-78-60 outlines the responsibilities of businesses to maintain safe conditions and prevent foreseeable harm to customers. This includes addressing hazards such as runaway shopping carts in parking lots.
Negligence in premises liability cases often hinges on whether the business failed to take reasonable steps to prevent injury. In this instance, Walmart may be liable if it can be shown that employees neglected their duty to collect shopping carts or failed to implement safeguards against environmental factors like wind.
Your Rights and Options
If you’ve been injured in a similar incident, you have the right to seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The first step is to document the accident thoroughly—take photos of the parking lot conditions, the cart involved, and any visible injuries.
Next, report the incident to store management and request a copy of their incident report. Seek medical attention promptly and keep all related records. Finally, consult with an experienced premises liability attorney who can evaluate your case and help you build a strong claim.
South Carolina law allows injured parties to file a personal injury lawsuit within three years of the incident under SC Code § 15-3-530. Acting quickly ensures evidence is preserved and witnesses remain available.
What I Look For When Evaluating These Cases
When assessing premises liability cases, I focus on whether the business had notice of the hazard and failed to act. Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance logs can be crucial in proving negligence. Additionally, I evaluate the extent of the injuries and their impact on the victim’s life to determine fair compensation.
A strong case often includes clear documentation of the hazard, the business’s failure to address it, and the direct connection between the negligence and the injury.
How Insurance Companies Will Fight Back
Insurance companies often argue that the victim was partially or fully at fault. In cases like this, they may claim the shopper wasn’t paying attention or that the runaway cart was an unforeseeable event. They might also dispute the severity of the injury or question the necessity of medical treatments.
To counter these tactics, it’s essential to have solid evidence and expert testimony that supports your claim. An experienced attorney can anticipate these defenses and build a strategy to overcome them.
Related Practice Areas at Traywick Law Offices
At Traywick Law Offices, we handle a variety of premises liability cases, including slip-and-fall accidents and retail injury claims. Learn more about our work by visiting our Charleston Premises Liability Attorney page or our Charleston Slip and Fall Lawyer page.
My Final Thoughts
As a Charleston attorney, I’ve seen how devastating premises liability cases can be for victims. This Walmart incident underscores the importance of holding businesses accountable for maintaining safe environments. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance. Protecting your rights is my priority.
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