PHENIX CITY, ALA.—An Alabama man who said he tripped and broke his hip while buying a watermelon at a Walmart store has won a $7.5 million (U.S.) verdict in his lawsuit against the retailer.
Court records show that Henry Walker on Wednesday was awarded the damages after a jury trial in Phenix City, Alabama.
Walmart spokesperson Randy Hargrove said Thursday the company believes the damages were excessive, and plans to appeal.
Walker sued Arkansas-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in 2015, saying his foot became trapped in a pallet beneath the watermelons as he reached for one.
In a Wednesday court filing, the company said the display wasn’t dangerous.