CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Days before the two-year anniversary of the Chesapeake Walmart mass shooting, a judge dismissed the last remaining lawsuit in Chesapeake Circuit Court against the retail giant related to the incident.
Sarah Merlo, who was shot seven times, filed a negligence suit in Sept. 2023. The document detailed concerns she raised over the shooter’s disturbing words and actions prior to the incident. It also included information about the horrific, debilitating injuries she sustained.
Under Virginia law, workplace shootings are treated as accidents and payouts related to them are covered under Workers’ Compensation. For victims seeking recourse against a negligent employer, that means state courts are a no-go.
All four of the lawsuits were eventually dismissed after attorneys representing Walmart successfully argued that Workers’ Comp had jurisdiction over the courts.
Merlo’s attorney declined to comment except to say that the matter is concluded.
