In November 2020, 7-year‑old Saiy’Yah Allen suffered tragic head trauma at a Walmart in Fort Lauderdale after colliding with a metal stocking cart that was protruding into the walkway. Though seemingly benign, the incident led to severe brain injury, traumatic seizures, and, ultimately, his death on May 7, 2023.
As counsel for the Allen family, our office challenged Walmart’s assertion that Saiy’Yah “failed to use his senses” and contended the store created a known dangerous condition the company should have prevented based on its own training.
Over the ten day trial, the jury heard testimony and emotional accounts—including those from his two young sisters and treating neurologists—that revealed Saiy’Yah’s post-incident decline: chronic seizures, vomiting, and eventual death.
In December 2024, a Broward County jury found Walmart partially responsible—assigning 30% fault—awarding $9 million to the family, which netted them $2.7 million. The verdict held Walmart responsible for its failure to maintain a reasonably safe shopping environment for the community.
This outcome highlights the profound responsibility retailers carry in safeguarding their premises and underscores the importance of legal advocacy in holding corporations accountable for preventable tragedies.
