The nation’s retailer giant, Wal-Mart superstores reported that they received 17,000 cases involving falling merchandise from 1989 through 1994. The retailer is known to stack products on high shelves sometimes without safety nets or guardrails. As a result, consumers have been injured and brought premises liability and personal injury lawsuits against the retailer for the falling merchandise.

Federal regulation does not protect Wal-Mart consumers from falling merchandise. Inspections from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration only occur if an employee of the store is injured.  Consumer advocates are lobbying for mandatory consumer safety protections such as safety nets and rail systems in warehouse superstore retailers.  These safety protections will help cut down on falling merchandise-related accidents

Statistics indicate that most accidents occur between October and January, when additional merchandise is stacked in anticipation of the holiday rush. Wal-Mart should inform their employees to use caution when stocking items on shelves for Wal-Mart stores. Consumers who shop Wal-Mart should also exercise caution when shopping at the superstore retailer.

Types of common consumer injuries that occur due to falling merchandise include, neck, back, head, brain, spinal, and shoulder injuries.