ST. LOUIS — A Missouri woman has filed a lawsuit against Dollar Tree Stores Inc., alleging negligence after she tripped over a U-Boat platform truck in a St. Louis County store, resulting in serious injuries to her left arm.
Tracy Ballard, a resident of Missouri, claims that the national retail chain failed to maintain a safe environment at its store located at 10752 West Florissant Ave, according to a complaint initially filed in state court and then removed to federal court on Feb. 19 to U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2021, when Ballard, who was an invitee on the premises, tripped over a U-Boat platform truck left on the store's sales floor.
The lawsuit alleges that Dollar Tree was negligent in its use and placement of the platform truck, which is typically used to transport merchandise.
Ballard claims the truck was not readily visible to customers and was placed in a manner that posed a hazard.
The court documents outline several points of alleged negligence by Dollar Tree, including failing to adequately warn customers of the truck's presence, failing to ensure the truck was in a safe location, and using the truck in a way that made it difficult for customers to see.
Ballard further alleges that an unidentified store employee placed the truck behind her while she was focused on merchandise in front of her and did not inform her of its presence.
As a result of the fall, Ballard suffered "painful, progressive and permanent injuries" to her left arm, according to the lawsuit.
The documents state that she has required medical treatment and continues to experience limited use of her arm due to the injuries sustained in the incident.
Ballard argues that Dollar Tree either knew or should have known about the dangerous condition of the premises and failed to take appropriate action to protect customers.
The lawsuit asserts that the company's negligence directly caused her injuries and resulting damages, the complaint states.
In addition to seeking monetary compensation for her injuries, Ballard is requesting that the court grant any other relief deemed just and proper, according to the suit.
"As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s carelessness and negligence as detailed above, Plaintiff Ballard was caused to suffer painful, progressive, and permanent injuries to her left arm," the complaint states. "As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s carelessness and negligence as detailed above, Plaintiff Ballard will continue to suffer limited use of her left arm. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s carelessness and negligence as detailed above, Plaintiff Ballard was required to seek medical treatment."
Dollar Tree Stores Inc., headquartered in Virginia, operates thousands of locations across the United States.
Dollar Tree did not respond to requests for comment.
Ballard is seeking damages exceeding $25,000 and a jury trial. Ballard is represented by Alexander A. Wolff of Goldblatt + Singer. Wolff declined to comment on the case.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri case number: 4:25-cv-00201