This Family Didn’t Hold Back When Walmart Tried to Blame a 9-Year-Old – What Happened Next Is Insane!

A Florida jury awarded $2.7 million to the family of Saiy-Yah Allen, a 9-year-old boy who died after battling severe brain injuries caused by an accident at a Walmart store. The original verdict of $9 million was significantly reduced after jurors determined Walmart was only partially responsible for the conditions leading to the boy’s death.

The heartbreaking incident unfolded on November 25, 2020, at a Walmart in Ft. Lauderdale. Saiy-Yah, just seven years old at the time, hit his head on the handle of a metal stock cart that was improperly positioned in an aisle. The impact caused him to fall and hit his head again on the floor. This accident led to traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic seizures that plagued him for two and a half years until his passing.

Following Saiy-Yah’s death, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, accusing Walmart of failing to maintain a safe environment and violating its own safety protocols. Court records detail how the metal cart’s handle jutted into the aisle, creating a hazard. “Walmart’s negligence stole a future filled with incredible promise of a young artist,” said Thomas H. Leeder, an attorney for the family. “We hope this verdict serves as a wake-up call to corporations everywhere: prioritize safety and following its own safety rules or face the consequences.”

During the trial, Saiy-Yah’s older sister gave emotional testimony, recounting the devastating effects of her brother’s injuries. “He would shake a lot and he would look in a different direction,” Miharah Allen said. “Every time he ate, he would throw up or use the bathroom on himself.”

The jury concluded that Walmart bore 30% of the responsibility for the conditions leading to the accident, with the remaining blame shared between Saiy-Yah’s parents (30% each) and the boy’s estate (10%). This division resulted in a $2.7 million award, reflecting Walmart’s share of liability.

Walmart defended itself by arguing that the cart was not inherently dangerous and that Saiy-Yah should have been able to see and avoid it. In court documents, the company stated, “Walmart is not liable for the incident as the stock cart was so open and obvious that [Saiy-Yah] should have been reasonably expected to discover it and protect himself (by simply walking around it).” The retailer also pointed to the boy’s inattentiveness, claiming he was “walking while looking backward” when the accident occurred.

In a statement issued after the trial, Walmart expressed sympathy for the family but maintained that the majority of the fault did not lie with them. “We empathize with any family dealing with loss. The jury found the majority of the fault did not lie with Walmart. Under current Florida law, Walmart would not have any financial responsibility for the judgment. We are awaiting a decision on a directed verdict and considering all of our post-trial options.”

The legal landscape for negligence lawsuits in Florida recently changed with the introduction of a comparative fault system. This new law prevents plaintiffs from recovering damages if they are found more than 50% responsible for their own injuries. However, Leeder Law clarified that Saiy-Yah’s case was exempt from this rule because the lawsuit was filed before the new statute took effect.

Saiy-Yah’s tragic death is a painful reminder of the importance of safety in public spaces. His family continues to mourn the loss of a talented and creative young boy whose life was cut far too short. As his attorney poignantly stated, “Nothing can bring back this beloved child and talented artist. This decision affirms that his life had immeasurable value.”