Wal-Mart Stores, employee named in suit alleging assault, battery and false imprisonment

Wal-Mart Stores and one of its employees are being sued by a woman who alleges she was assaulted while shopping in Chicago.

Joanna Varnado filed a lawsuit April 3 in the Cook County Circuit Court against Wal-Mart Stores Inc., doing business as Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market, and Robin Nelson, individually and as employee of Wal-Mart Stores, citing assault, battery, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.

According to the suit, Varnado was assaulted on Aug. 9 while shopping at Walmart at 1422 W. 47th St. in Chicago. Varnado claims her face and body were assaulted and battered and that Nelson, an employee at the store, unlawfully imprisoned her, resulting in multiple body traumas and mental damage.

Varnado is seeking damages in excess of $30,000 and court costs. She is being represented by attorneys at the Law Offices of Steven J. Malman and Associates P.C.

Cook County District Court Case No. 2014L003802.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Cook County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.