Wal-Mart to Pay $2.1 Million to Avoid Criminal Prosecution Over Worker's Death

To avoid possible criminal charges, retail giant Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $1.2 million in damages and another $40,000 compensation to four injured victims and to the family of Jdimytai Damour who was trampled to death when 2,000 rowdy shoppers surged to the store to buy discounted and low-priced goods.

Retail giant Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $1.2 million to avoid possible criminal prosecution following the death of its worker Jdimytai Damour who was trampled to death when rowdy shoppers surged to the store to buy discounted goods during a Black Saturday bargain sale last year.

The company also said it will pay more than $40,000 to Damour’s family and four other injured shoppers including a pregnant woman.
 

In a court statement, Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice has lauded the agreement and described it as an “accomplishment”.


Meanwhile, Damour’s family said they were disappointed with the concession and called this as “shameful”. This stance was also reflected by Andrew Libo’s statement, lawyer of Damour’s family, and said that Rice has allowed the retail giant to buy its way out of the criminal prosecution.


In November 28, 2008, Damour, a temporary worker of Wal-Mart, tried to contain the rowdy shoppers when they suddenly broke the glass door as they continuously hit it with their fists and shoulders. But with the large number of people, rushing toward the store, Damour was trampled to death.
 

According to some witnesses, some co-workers rushed in to help the 5-foot-6 Damour but the crowd was so violent that they were unable to carry him away of the frenzied shoppers.
 

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