Imagine buying common household items at your local Family Dollar, only to discover later that the store is facing legal action. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently accused the retail chain of improper storage conditions at its Arkansas warehouse, including a rat infestation that could have contaminated products sold to the public.
The case highlights the legal responsibilities of retailers, along with the potential harm that customers may suffer due to their negligence. Arkansas law gives consumers the right to recover compensation through a personal injury claim if they are injured due to defective or unsafe products.
Family Dollar Case Explained
Family Dollar Stores, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, failed to identify and remove contaminated products from their stores, thereby putting consumers at risk of harm. The products ranged from food items to cosmetics.
Family Dollar will pay nearly $42 million in fines after pleading guilty to storing consumer products in a rat-infested warehouse. The amount marks the largest-ever criminal penalty in a food safety case. The store will also be subjected to rigorous reporting requirements for three years.
The retailer allowed products to become contaminated at an unsanitary distribution center in West Memphis, Arkansas. The facility shipped goods to more than 400 Family Dollar stores in Arkansas and across six states.
Improper storage conditions can contaminate products, making them dangerous for consumers. For example, over-the-counter medications exposed to rodent feces or cosmetics stored at extreme temperatures can cause significant injuries and harm.
How the Unsanitary Conditions Were Discovered
In August 2020, Family Dollar started getting reports of mouse and pest problems with store deliveries. By year end, some stores said they received rodents and rodent-damaged products from the Arkansas distribution center. The retailer admitted that by January 2021, some workers were aware that the unsanitary conditions at the facility were resulting in contaminated products.
However, the warehouse continued shipping products until January 2022. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspection subsequently discovered a massive rat infestation, including live and dead rodents, as well as rodent urine, feces, and odors. Officials also found evidence of gnawing throughout the center.
The next month, almost 1,300 rodents were exterminated from the warehouse. Family Dollar also announced a voluntary recall of food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics shipped to the 400 stores.
Protecting Consumers from Unsafe Goods
Product liability laws exist to protect consumers from injuries caused by defective or unreasonably dangerous products. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible if a product you purchased causes harm due to design defects, manufacturing problems, or insufficient warnings. While the wholesaler or retailer did not make the unsafe product, they may be responsible for distributing or selling it to the public.
Arkansas follows a strict liability standard for product liability cases. This means that an injured person does not necessarily need to prove the company knew the product was dangerous. They simply need to show the product was defective and caused the injury.
In the Family Dollar case, the retailer allegedly knew about the rodent issue at its Arkansas distribution center at least a year before it was identified by the FDA. Nevertheless, the company failed to address the rat infestation. Instead, it continued to ship products that were unsanitary for consumers. According to the DOJ, Family Dollar was negligent in failing to identify and remove unsafe products from their stores, thereby putting shoppers at risk.
What to Do if a Product Harms You
If you suspect a product caused your injury, be sure to get medical attention. If possible, keep the product in its original condition as evidence. You should also hold on to receipts and any related information. Take photos of the product and your injury.
Consult an Arkansas personal injury lawyer. An attorney can assess your case, explain your legal options, and guide you through the process of seeking compensation. Product liability cases allow consumers to recover damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. Today
Remember, you have rights as a consumer in Arkansas. If you were injured due to a defective product, call the Law Office of Jason M. Hatfield, P.A. at 479-361-3575. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is here for you. Schedule a free initial consultation to find out what you can expect should you file a personal injury lawsuit. We know you have questions, and our team can answer them for you.