Tuesday, an employee who survived the Virginia Walmart shooting that killed six people filed a lawsuit against the giant retailer. According to CNN, Donya Prioleau, an overnight stocker, filed a written complaint to Walmart about the gunman’s “bizarre” behavior months before the shooting. Prioleau is suing for negligent hiring and retention and respondeat superior liability. She is seeking $50 million. Prioleau’s attorneys say Walmart failed to stop the tragedy from happening.
So, what was the gunman’s “bizarre” behavior? Prioleau claims before the shooting, the gunman, Andre Bing, asked coworkers if they had received their active shooter training. She claims after they said they received the training, Bing walked away smiling without saying anything. The employee also says Bing inappropriately commented on her age and height and harassed her for being poor. According to the lawsuit, the company received numerous reports of Bing’s strange behavior. Unfortunately, six people were fatally shot at the Chesapeake, Virginia, Walmart just two days before Thanksgiving.
Walmart has not responded to the lawsuit so far. If the company is found wrong, they will have to pay up. The incident is a reminder that danger can happen in any workplace, and it is essential that, as a business owner, you pay attention to your employees’ behavior. The U.S. Department of Labor has listed several warning signs to look out for, including crying or temper tantrums, excessive tardiness or absenteeism, and pushing the limits of acceptable conduct. The DOL also states as an employer, most jurisdictions require you to have a program or policies in place that address workplace violence.
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