Please E-mail suggested additions, comments and/or corrections to Kent@MoreLaw.Com.

Help support the publication of case reports on MoreLaw

Carolyn Kenney v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Date: 12-04-2000

Case Number: 16cv98-21325

Judge: Stephen W. Nixon

Court: 16th Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri

Plaintiff's Attorney: Michael W. Manners of Welch, Martin, Albano & Manners, Independence, Missouri

Defendant's Attorney: James T. Seigfreid, Jr. of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, L.L.C., Kansas City, Missouri

Description:

Defamation - Libel - Plaintiff claimed that Wal-Mart wrongfully displayed a photograph of her and her grandchild in its Lee's Summit store representing that the baby was missing. The child's mother denied that she gave the photograph to Wal-Mart at the father of the child failed to return it to her after a visitation. Plaintiff claimed that her reputation was harmed by the posting and that Wal-Mart failed to remove the offending photograph after it knew or should have known that the representations were not true.

Wal-Mart claimed that it immediately removed the photograph when it learned that the claims were unsubstantiated and the plaintiff sustained no damages.

Outcome:

Plaintiff's verdict for $33,750 in actual damages and $392,083 in punitive damages.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Unknown

Defendant's Experts:

Unknown

Comments:

Plaintiff offered to settle this case before trial for
$100,000; the defendant only offered her $7,000.

About This Case

What was the outcome of Carolyn Kenney v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.?

The outcome was: Plaintiff's verdict for $33,750 in actual damages and $392,083 in punitive damages.

Which court heard Carolyn Kenney v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.?

This case was heard in 16th Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri, MO. The presiding judge was Stephen W. Nixon.

Who were the attorneys in Carolyn Kenney v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.?

Plaintiff's attorney: Michael W. Manners of Welch, Martin, Albano & Manners, Independence, Missouri. Defendant's attorney: James T. Seigfreid, Jr. of Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice, L.L.C., Kansas City, Missouri.

When was Carolyn Kenney v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. decided?

This case was decided on December 4, 2000.