A man has finally received payment for injuries he suffered while shopping at his local grocery store. Kroger, the national grocer with locations in Massachusetts, was ordered to pay the victim of a slip and fall accident $2.3 million, as a court decision was finally reached in a legal battle that lasted several years. The company was cited for their negligence and destroying video evidence of the accident.

The man involved in the case was shopping at a Kroger store in the spring of 2008. While he was shopping he slipped on fruit that had been crushed on the floor. As a result of the accident the man suffered severe spinal injuries that led to multiple rounds of surgery. Rods were inserted in the man's spine to provide stability. His medical bills were in excess of $130,000.

In addition to thousands of dollars in medical expenses, the man was not able to work after the accident. He was occupied as a commercial landscaper, a physically demanding job he was unable to perform with spinal injuries.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this case is that the store tried to cover up evidence of their liability. Security camera footage of the accident was erased by those working at the store. Despite testimony that the store's cameras were not aimed at the site of the accident, further investigation directly contradicted claims made by store officials.

Not only did the grocer fail to clean up the floor, which caused the accident, they attempted to mislead the court by tampering with evidence. It is the duty of store management to ensure the premises are safe for shoppers. In this case, Kroger failed to fulfill their responsibility to their customers. Thankfully, the man involved in the life-altering accident was able to find justice for his pain and suffering.

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Gwinnett jury returns $2.3 million verdict in slip-and-fall lawsuit against Kroger," Andria Simmons, Jan. 26, 2012