It’s been several months since we’ve last heard from Tracy Morgan in regards to the massive lawsuit he hit Wal-Mart with, following his near fatal car incident in early June.
As you may recall, the former “30 Rock” star put Wal-Mart on notice, after his limo bus was blindsided on the New Jersey Turnpike by one of the retailers truck drivers, resulting in the death of his close friend and colleague James McNair, 62, as well as landed him in intensive care for several weeks after suffering from broken ribs, a broken leg and a broken nose.
In the lawsuit filed Thursday, July 10, in the U.S. District Court in New Jersey, Morgan claims that Wal-Mart was negligent when a driver of one of their tractor-trailers rear-ended Morgan’s limousine van while traveling 20 mph over the speed limit.
The suit went on to allege that the driver fell asleep at the wheel, due to the “unreasonable” 700 mile trek he was assigned by the mega-retailer.
“As a result of Wal-Mart’s gross, reckless, willful, wanton, and intentional conduct, it should be appropriately punished with the imposition of punitive damages,” read the complaint.
Now, the major retailer has come forward, blaming Morgan for his own injuries, claiming that the comedian turned actor was not wearing his seat belt.
In a response filed by Wal-Mart in a New Jersey federal court on Monday, the company claimed …
“Plaintiff’s injuries, if any, were caused … by plaintiff’s failure to properly wear an appropriate available seatbelt restraint device. By failing to exercise ordinary care in making use of available seatbelts … plaintiff acted unreasonably and in disregard of [their] own interests.”
Benedict Morelli, Tracy’s attorney, immediately responded to Wal-Mart’s claims, reminding them that now would not be a good time to back pedal, as they already ensured their customers and those injured that they would take full responsibility for the incident.
“After Wal-Mart told the public and their customers that they would take full responsibility, they put responsibility on my clients and the deceased — which I think is despicable. Tracy is struggling and struggling and he’s sitting in a wheelchair and they’re blaming him. It’s disgusting.”
Do you agree with Wal-Mart’s response to the incident?
Whether or not Morgan was wearing his seat belt, should he be held responsible for Wal-Mart’s driver falling asleep behind the wheel?
Sound off! – ruthie hawkins/@ruubabie
