False Shoplifting Accusation Case $30,000 Settlement
A recent false shoplifting accusation case against a national big box retailer in Maryland has reached a resolution. Following a mediation, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit for $30,000. This settlement, secured by Whitney, LLP, marks the conclusion of a legal battle that began with a distressing incident of false shoplifting accusation at a store in Howard County, Maryland.
Maryland shoppers who frequent their favorite stores have many legal rights. When those rights are trampled by untrained and aggressive store employees and security guards, and shoppers are harmed and embarrassed by false allegations of shoplifting, compensation may be recovered. Whitney, LLP has experience recovering compensation on behalf of our clients who falsely accused, have their privacy invaded and are harassed by employees or security guards.
Read about some of Whitney, LLP’s other Maryland false shoplifting settlements:
Of course, all cases are different, and past results do not guarantee future results. Case outcomes depends on the facts of each individual situation.
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Our clients in false shoplifting accusation cases pay no out-of-pocket fees or expenses.
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The Incident: A False Shoplifting Accusation Gone Wrong
The case stemmed from a false shoplifting accusation made against a longtime customer of the store. What should have been a routine shopping trip to her favorite store turned into a nightmare when the customer was wrongly accused of theft. This false shoplifting accusation led to a series of events that violated her rights and caused emotional distress.
After making a return and then continuing to browse before walking into the parking lot, our client was approached by a store employee. The employee verbally accused our client of stealing, which our client immediately denied. Fortunately, our client immediately began to record the incident on her phone. As Whitney, LLP has learned from representing clients in many false shoplifting accusation cases, employee will often lie about making accusations once a lawsuit is filed in an effort to avoid responsibility.
Here, after making the false accusation, the employee then grabbed her cart and coerced our client into returning into the store. However, after making her wait for approximately 10 minutes while a manager reviewed video, the manager realized there was no evidence of our client having done anything wrong, and she was allowed to leave.
Legal Action Following the False Shoplifting Accusation
In response to the false shoplifting accusation, our client was extremely upset at the embarrassing situation she found herself in through no fault of her own. She performed a Google search similar to “false shoplifting accusation attorney” and found Whitney, LLP.
After consulting with us, we believed that she had done nothing wrong and that a store employee had behaved illegally.
Whitney, LLP then filed a lawsuit against the retailer, alleging false imprisonment, battery, and invasion of privacy.
Lack of Evidence in the False Shoplifting Accusation
The store first tried to claim that our client was seen on video doing something suspicious. However, after reviewing the footage, we determined that our client was simply browsing, like any regular customer, and that our client had done nothing wrong.
A crucial aspect of this false shoplifting accusation case was the retailer’s inability to provide any evidence of wrongdoing.
In fact, the store’s employees admitted they had not actually seen the customer steal anything and could not specify what she had allegedly taken
Consequences of the False Shoplifting Accusation
The false shoplifting accusation had several consequences for our client. She reported feeling shocked, embarrassed, and humiliated by the treatment she received.
The incident, which occurred in full view of other customers and employees, also caused her to lose sleep and be concerned about being falsely accused in the future.
Settlement of the False Shoplifting Accusation Case
The settlement of $30,000 reached after mediation brings closure to this false shoplifting accusation case.
This false shoplifting accusation case serves as a reminder to retailers of the importance of proper training for loss prevention staff, the need for clear, evidence-based protocols when dealing with suspected shoplifting incidents, and that there are consequences from harming their customers.
It also underscores the rights of consumers to shop without fear of baseless accusations or unlawful detention.
Daniel W. Whitney and Daniel W. Whitney, Jr. of Whitney, LLP
Whitney, LLP’s Expertise in False Accusation Cases in Maryland
Whitney, LLP has successfully handled multiple false shoplifting accusation cases across Maryland.
We have experience evaluating potential claims, quickly acting to preserve video recordings we will use in the litigation, filing the lawsuit and then recovering compensation.
Call Whitney, LLP at 410 583 8000, or use our Quick Contact Form to discuss your potential case and your legal rights.
