A Florida mother is suing Walmart, saying the store’s unsafe conditions led to the tragic death of her young son years after a freak accident in one of its stores. Tamika Springer is seeking more than $30,000 in damages after her son, Saiy-Yah Allen, passed away on May 7, 2023. The lawsuit claims that Walmart is responsible for the conditions that caused the boy’s injury and eventual death.
The incident happened on November 25, 2020, at a Walmart in Fort Lauderdale. Saiy-Yah, who was just 7 years old at the time, hit his head on a metal stock cart while walking through the store. According to court documents, the cart was left in a walkway, and Saiy-Yah accidentally walked into it.
Years after the accident, Saiy-Yah started experiencing severe health problems. His sister, Miharah Allen, shared emotional testimony during the trial on Tuesday. She described how her brother suffered from frequent seizures that would cause him to shake, make noises, and look in random directions. Miharah also recalled how Saiy-Yah struggled with eating, often throwing up his food or having bathroom accidents.
Walmart, however, has denied responsibility. In court, the company’s attorneys argued that the stock cart wasn’t dangerous and that Saiy-Yah simply wasn’t paying attention when he walked into it. They pointed out that the cart was clearly visible and suggested that the accident could have been avoided if Saiy-Yah had been more aware of his surroundings.
In their motion for summary judgment, Walmart stated, “The stock cart was so open and obvious that Saiy-Yah should have reasonably seen it and walked around it.” They also claimed that Saiy-Yah’s sister noticed the cart and avoided it, while Saiy-Yah, who they say was looking backward, failed to do the same.
The heartbreaking loss of Saiy-Yah has left his family devastated. His obituary described him as a bright and talented boy who loved drawing, painting, and making origami. “His eyes and smile lit the entire universe,” it read. “He often made origami birds and drawings for friends and even strangers. He did everything with pride and precision.”
The trial continues as Saiy-Yah’s family fights for justice, and Walmart maintains its position that the company is not liable for the accident.
