Fernandez v Walmart

Date: October 7, 2025

Summary: The RLC’s brief supports reversing the trial court’s decision finding that Walmart was liable under California tort law where an assailant suffering from mental illness seriously injured shoppers in a Walmart retail location when he beat them with a baseball bat. The RLC’s brief explains that the decision is inconsistent with established California tort law and, if affirmed, would have widespread implications for public safety management by private industry. The RLC collaborated with the National Retail Federation and the California Retail Association on the brief.

Counsel: Michelle Kallen, Anthony Anscombe & Conor Tucker of RLC Law Firm Member Steptoe LLP