Supermarket giant ALDI has been sued by worker Susan Ayoub for injuring both her finger and her back while working for the supermarket.
According to Ms. Ayoub, she got the injury on her back while she was stacking pallets for the Mudgeeraba ALDI supermarket. The injury left her being unable to move when the pain hits. Three months after that injury, she got another one again during work. Ms. Ayoub broke a finger while on duty at ALDI’s. Because of the injuries that she suffered, she has decided to sue ALDI for over $550,000.
A spokesperson for the supermarket chain declined to give a comment about the issue, especially that the matter is already being processed at court. Ms. Ayoub however, commented that the injuries that she got while working have contributed to her life being ruined. Ms. Ayoub also added that even if it has been two years since the injuries occurred, she still experiences chronic pain which makes her unable to get out of bed. Ms. Ayoub said she has not regained her independence since the back injury, and she is only 49-years old. She added that being unable to do housework or walk along beaches, she does not have anything to anticipate in anymore. She feels that the situation is unfair and she is quite devastated.
Susan Ayoub has filed a civil charge against ALDI at the Southport District Court for damages worth $559,145. She will be represented by attorney Gavin Mills, a lawyer specializing in personal injuries. Ms. Ayoub said that if she recovered fully from the injuries, she would not have sued ALDI because she loved her job there and would not have left if she had still been able to work. However, after two unsuccessful back operations, she was still left with a 23% impairment, leaving her debilitated.
I was just injured 15 days ago and so far Workman’s comp has done nothing to help me. I was closing the store with a bad manager and he didn’t allow another associate who caused a puddle from not knowing how to fill the scrubber. As others who work there know, the front end lights go out after a half hour or so after closing. I didn’t see it in the dark hallway and slipped, went airborne and came down on my left side. Several people including one of the doctors said he hadn’t seen bruises that bad before. Also while I was on the floor yelling for help, the manager came and bent over and asked me “Are you done with everything you were suppose to do?” I yelled at him and commanded him to help me get up, then he left me standing there and didn’t help me get to the office or break room. I had to demand to fill out an accident report (which is mandatory. Now 6)different doctors have examined me and all concluded that I needed an MRI and an orthopedic specialist because the bruises are healing but there is still excruciating pain in my hip and lower back.. Right after that recommendation they assigned a nurse case manager and she said she would fight to get me treatment. So far I have not heard back. Because I didn’t have a primary care physician I went to a walk in clinic. The doctors said I can resume activity but with restrictions (None of which meet the criteria to work at aldi. (Bending, twisting, lifting forty pounds, reaching, and sitting for several hours to scan groceries, plus mopping sweeping, pushing a scrubber, etc) They want me working despite the pain because they don’t want to have me seem disabled. But as Ayoub mentioned, I am miserable too. I cannot sleep, I am in constant pain and it has affected every aspect of my life, my relationship, and my finances. If anyone needs someone to validate their claims in court. I would be happy to do so. I loved my job, Now I feel like a prisoner to a company who never saw me as more than a number. I Intend to seek legal action. And the guy who caused the puddle said he is willing to testify on my behalf that the manager told him not to clean up the puddle. I am tired of being in pain and sadness.
Please tell me that she won!
I’m in the exact same boat but I have a workers comp case.They are self insured worker’s comp so they don’t have the same rules. I have no income and I’m disabled. I live in constant pain since my accident which led to back surgery in 2004. I’m sure that I need another surgery but my Dr needs an MRI which they deny. My Dr told me that I could die because of the game they play denying my Dr’s and medicine. I can’t just quit taking this medicine. It feels like that’s what they hope will happen. I spent two weeks in a state hospital when I broke down because I couldn’t take the constant pain and having to live as a burden.
When I worked there we were told that a TV show was going to expose the unsafe working conditions. We got daily faxes on what to do if confronted by a reporter. It didn’t air. I heard that they paid them off. I wish that I could remember the name of the show so I could write them and tell them my story and how upset that I am that Aldi ruined my life and many other lives and they just get away with it because no one will go up against the big company.
I’m proud of Ms. Ayoub because being in her shoes I’m so depressed and the anxiety is so bad that I can’t read the mail for fear that there will be something from Aldi, my lawyer, workers comp, a Dr or hospital bill or anything that requires money since I can’t work and I’m forever unable to provide for myself. I have a hard time even answering the phone. I know what it was like for her to be able to handle a law suit! I also admire attorney Mills for being one of the very few lawyers brave enough to take them on.
I purchased falty and dangerous tool from Aldi – damaged my hand
I am invalid now – all expenses medical etc payed by me and medicare
centre link = australian taxpayer –
I found out it was impossible to get any lawyer
Lawyers give advice some payed but will not take Aldi on.
eventualy I got one lawyer going to him for about 7 month
he did nothing at all except using my time.
and when I handed him many pages of statutory declaration he stopped working for me
At least he should put the case to court so I could get some justice myself without lawyer
I believe judging should be done by judge not by lawyer
and also every Australian should have right and acces to justice.
Well now its to late – my hand was swollen 7 month – than fizio
that lawyer was sued at least by two other customes for negligence.
And I should be told that at start.
DENIED JUSTICE