http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119551952474798582.html?mod=hps_us_pageone
A collision with a semi-trailer truck at Wal Mart where she worked left 52-year-old Deborah Shank permanently brain-damaged and in a wheelchair.
Her husband, Jim, and three sons found a small source of solace: a $700,000 accident settlement from the trucking company involved. After legal fees the remaining $417,000 was to be used for Mrs. Shank's care.
Wal Mart sued the Shanks for the $470,000 it had spent already on her medical care. A federal judge ruled last year in Wal-Mart's favor.
If the money goes to Wal Mart, what will she use for expensive future care?
2007-11-22 15:50:56 · 8 answers · asked by ToYou,Too! 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In 2004 Wal-Mart spent 1.4 billion in advertising. Yet, they pursue to recoup 417,000 from this woman that is permanently disabled? This story is more damaging to their reputation than any ad campaign their generous budget deems appropriate. For years, there have been news stories about Wal-Mart's bad health care plan. It is cheap monthly to the employee but the deductibles are sky high. This woman will be forced to obtain government assistance because of Wal-Mart's corporate greed. This is another example of how little corporate America cares about their employees.
2007-11-22 16:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by yourmtgbanker 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wal-Mart has a lengthy track record of being extremely stingy with money. They will fight any injury claims that happen in the store. A notable cause was about 10 years ago, a heavy item fell from a high shelf in the store and caused serious brain damage to a person. They refused to settle and forced the family to fight it out in court.
Up until last year or so, they aggressively prosecuted every shoplifter caught.
And now things like this. Unethical? Maybe, but it is within the bounds of the law and their argument is, why should they get stuck with the bill? I don't agree with the law or at least how it is applied here, but Wal-mart isn't stupid. THey will do everything in their power to save a nickel.
2007-11-22 16:27:51 · answer #2 · answered by Kenneth C 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't at WalMart, and insurance subrogation is standard practice.
Even Union-run medical insurance plans do the exact same thing.
If your insurer pays your bills, but then a judge orders someone else to pay them, your insurer gets their money back, it's as simple as that.
Richard
2007-11-22 17:38:01 · answer #3 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I really do not think so, it was not Wal-mart's fault, it was maby even her fault, we really do not know, but i really hope she is ok. i dont think the money should go back to Wal-mart though, she deserves it yet i do not think it is Wal-marts fault...
2007-11-22 15:53:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
i went thru same type matter. it is all about workmans comp.i had to pay back close to $250,000 that the paid me while i was off. it just shows you that work comp is worthless.
----retired texas deputy sheriff----
2007-11-22 19:20:43 · answer #5 · answered by charlsyeh 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
walmart sucks nobody should shop there. if you want low prices go to costco or something **** WALMART!
2007-11-22 15:59:06 · answer #6 · answered by whoo! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
walmart sucks
2007-11-22 15:54:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
should Wal-Mart be?
2007-11-22 15:56:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋