Philly woman sues Pathmark over injuries from fallen rack

A Philadelphia woman says negligence on the part of employees at a supermarket in Glen

Olden, Pa., is responsible for injuries she sustained when a rack of products fell on top of her, according to a personal injury suit filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

The complaint says that Denice Hallagher, of the 1300 block of East Johnson Street in Philadelphia, was shopping at the Pathmark store located at 140 North MacDade Blvd. in Glen Olden, Pa., on June 1, 2012.

While standing in line at the register, the complaint says, a rack with grocery products fell from a shelf and on top of Hallagher. The impact caused the plaintiff to sustain several injuries, including pain to her spine, left arm and shoulder, a herniated disc, and a shock to her nervous system, the claim says.

As a result, according to the complaint, Hallagher had to make regular visits to doctors during her rehabilitation, resulting in mounting medical expenses. The injuries also limited her ability to perform daily household chores and work duties.

The complaint says that the Pathmark company, headquartered in New Jersey, acted negligently by not properly training employees at the Glen Olden store to inspect and secure store shelving. The store in Glen Olden is also responsible for ensuring the safety of its customers and business invitees, according to the complaint.

Hallagher is represented by Philadelphia attorney Thomas Murphy.

The case ID number is 140500339.