I would have to agree that WalMart is legally right in what they are doing however there are some questions that need to be answered.
1. Who actually sued? Was it WalMart or their insurance company?
2. If it was WalMart, what did they do with the money? Did the money go back to the insurance company to keep insurance companies from increasing benefit rates for other and future employees? (which I find unlikely) However, if this is the case, this is the only reason why I can see WalMart being justifed. If they just pocketed the money then it absolutely insane.
3. If this had been an actual on-the-job injury would WalMart being able to sue for monies they would have had to pay out in the first place. Lets say for example someone gets hurt at WalMart due to poor working conditions. The Employee sues WalMart and wins and then WalMart turns around and sues them back for money they just paid out for the Employees medical expenses they had to initially pay. It seems to me that the statement in the benefits package that allows them to re-coup monies from settlements should not be allowed.
All in all, I STRONGLY DISAGREE with what WalMart has done even though they are legally right. I think they should step up to the plate and admit what they have done is unacceptable and explain that they aren't going to pursue the monies even though they have legal rights to do so.
Personally, if I could afford to shop elsewhere, I would. I have in some instances switched to Target and BJ's. If someone else like K-Mart or Target could REALLY be competetive with WalMart then I would stop going there all-together.
I wish the family the best of luck and hopefully WalMart will do the right thing.
