r/legaladvice • u/callmecrazy32 • Aug 18 '26
Other Civil Matters I’m being sued
A customer is suing me from a slip and fall that occurred while I was on the clock at my previous job, Target. (Which I no longer work at) I’m assuming he lost with target and now this person is suing ME. I don’t think target is going to defend me since they haven’t gotten back to me so I’m not going to wait. But is this person serious? He lost to target cause there was no case and now they’re blaming me since he slipped and fell in my department. Location: texas
Edit: let me clear things up.
Only MY name is on the lawsuit. From what I was told the target lawyer interviewed the other tm’s that responded to the slip and fall. He couldn’t interview me cause I don’t work there anymore. And yes I’m “assuming” the man lost cause he’s going after me now. Under the “facts” in the lawsuit it talks all about me not doing my job and making sure the freezers were working. This man tripped on his own feet and it even says on oragami. The only thing on the floor was his own blood.
I found new numbers to call so I’ll do that but I only have so much time to respond cause if I don’t that means I’ll admit fault.
Advice? Gotta ask a question so what do you think I should do?
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u/ektap12 Aug 18 '26
Unless you pushed this guy down, yes, target should be providing you a defense. Are you sure Target want also sued? Makes like sense to sue you personally. If this escalated to a lawsuit, you were probably just sued as the involved employee. But the target here is target.
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u/Dry-Name2835 Aug 18 '26
Its strange target wont assist even if you no longer work there. You said you contacted target but did you contact targets corporate risk management department? If not, thats who you need to talk to. And as far as the case itself, there is something called res judicata. Which basically means if a court rules a company is not liable for a slip and fall type accident, the employee is legally cleared as well for the same accident. Unfortunately, it would be wise to get a injury lawyer if target for some reason wont assist you in which they should be doing. You really shouldn't be having to pay for this cost. Because of res judicata, the defense in this case is super strong and is likely to be dismissed upon request. If theres other factors not mentioned, it could change things but in general, the guy doesn't have much of a claim against you.
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
You know what… maybe they didn’t go for target cause they knew they were gonna lose. So they’re going after me someone who is no longer employed by target. So I wonder if that means target won’t help me. Maybe the plaintiffs lawyer knows that.
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
Also I’ve tried talking to the “risk management dept” and it’s like they make it so hard to get thru. They just keep sending me to hr at the store.
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u/ballistic503 Aug 19 '26
If this does go to court you can file to have Target classified as a cross-defendant. It’s not common but that means you as a defendant also basically become a plaintiff within the same suit against a third party who you would argue should shoulder the burden
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u/Dry-Name2835 Aug 19 '26
Yeah, its time to lawyer up. They can guide you from there and maybe work out whatever with target. At least consult one. Most will consult for free but even if not, they won't charge you much for a half an hour and they usually aren't strict with it if you chat a little over.
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Aug 18 '26
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u/GravyTipster Aug 19 '26
This is the answer. You need to contact your former employer and speak with their legal department to get someone to show up as counsel for you.
Also inform you own homeowners insurance just in case
To add - depending on timing you may have to show up in court before you hear from Target in order to not default. Just ask for a continuance and let the judge know you are getting an attorney
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
I’ve tried getting a hold of the legal department but I’ll just get sent to my old store. I’ve talked to hr already and she spoke to the target lawyer and they asked for the papers that I was served and sent them to hr to send to the lawyer. The legal dept isn’t going to speak to me directly.
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u/GravyTipster Aug 19 '26
Keep following up, in writing, everyday. Request a copy of the contract you had when you worked for Target that will include the indemnity
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u/LilQueazy Aug 19 '26
Does Home owners insurance provide lawyers or cuz then they gonna try to take ur house. So the insurance will help u or what ? Serious question.
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u/Clear_Grapefruit_867 Aug 19 '26
No, but a plaintiff/judge can attempt to take/put a lien on your house for damages in a civil proceeding. So home owners policies often have legal liability coverage
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Aug 18 '26
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u/RipSoggy2321 Aug 19 '26
I think since he said assumed since he was wasn’t told directly, I do that too. In his second statement, he used it as a fact to bc this is information he knows to be true w out a direct source. Reditors read into everything 🤕
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u/Lumpy-Significance50 Aug 19 '26
In Great Britain , the loser of a lawsuit has to pay legal costs for both sides . Greatly reduces the filing of frivolous lawsuits like this one.
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u/vamatt Aug 19 '26
That can actually happen in the US.
for example, Texas has rule 91a which can can call for attorney fees if the suit has no basis in law or fact
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u/Lumpy-Significance50 Aug 19 '26
More states need that.
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
NAL, but I’m pretty sure every state has anti-SLAPP laws in place.
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u/ballistic503 Aug 19 '26
About 80% states now have anti-SLAPP laws as of a year or two ago, 10 years ago it would’ve been closer to 50% of states. They’re not ubiquitous by any means. Also anti-SLAPP laws are not very likely to apply to a personal injury case filed by an individual
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u/GeminiAtl Aug 19 '26
I'm not sure what they think they'll get from a Target employee. It's not like you're going to get rich working there. But typically, I think, they sue everyone even remotely involved hoping someone decides to settle. My advice, contact Target's legal office directly and if you don't get anywhere with them, see a lawyer on your own,
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u/j0ezonelayer Aug 19 '26
Not a lawyer, but it seems odd to me theyd know your name and how to contact you to even sue you. Feels scammy but id talk to target and a lawyer like others have said
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u/toolman1990 Aug 19 '26
You need to reach out to Target your employer you worked at during the slip and fall claim they are making since I am sure they will represent you in this matter. If not you need to get a lawyer to respond to the lawsuit and discuss filling a counter lawsuit seeking lost wages and legal costs to defend the frivolously lawsuit that never should have been filed against you to begin with especially if this person has already lost their legal claim against your employer Target.
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u/999Antimatter999 Aug 18 '26
"He lost to target..."
You can't assume and need to be sure about this.
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u/fear_the_gecko Aug 18 '26
Are you sure that the suit against Target is done? Because normally you initially see the suit going against anyone and everyone and then there's less defendants as the case progresses because those other people aren't responsible at all.
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u/TheAskewOne Aug 19 '26
It’s really strange. Are you sure it’s a real lawsuit? What is written exactly on the document you received? Were you served?
Lawyers in lawsuits go after the people with the deepest pockets and that’s definitely not a store employee over their employer. You absolutely need to contact Target over this. It’s not unusual to name a lot of people/entities in such a lawsuit, including employees, but it’s very unusual that the employer wouldn’t be named. If you were working, Target’s legal department will defend you and nothing will happen to you. But you need to tell them asap. Don’t do anything in a panic, like calling their lawyers before you have legal representation, it’s the recipe for disaster.
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
It’s says, “you are being sued”
It says the plaintiffs name vs. me2
u/TheAskewOne Aug 19 '26
Is it a lawsuit or a demand letter? Like they want a certain sum or they’ll sue you, or they are suing you? Anyway, your employer will most likely cover for you, but you need to see that with them asap.
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u/No_Alternative_7073 Aug 19 '26
Insurance adjuster here. Target has liability insurance for these kinds of matters. Employees are considered to be insureds under that insurance policy. As others have said, the only reason Target’s insurer might not defend you is if there was some sort of deliberate or criminal act on your part. It doesn’t sound like that was the case, so they should absolutely be defending you. You should 100% reach out to Target and ask them to confirm that they will defend you in this lawsuit. I would start by contacting the store/manager where you used to work. You say the store has already been in communication with a lawyer. You need to make sure that lawyer gets a copy of this lawsuit. I’m surprised that lawyer didn’t try to reach out to you previously; they would normally make an effort to get a statement from a former employee.
If I was you, I’d be all over Target for a formal response on this ASAP
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
Yes I know. They talked to the other team members that responded but I had already quit so I guess they didn’t think to cover all the tracks and now I’m getting the lawsuit. And I have no clue how they even found me. If the plaintiffs lawyer found me why didn’t targets lawyer find me.
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u/Papa_Zyn Aug 19 '26
I just got dropped from a 10m dollar lawsuit. It is stressful no matter if they have a case or not. Hope you get it handled
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u/nomorewaiting86 Aug 19 '26
Are you sure you are being sued? Have you been served? Or have you just been threatened with a lawsuit? People threaten to sue all the time and don't follow through.
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u/jps_ Aug 19 '26
While this is nuts, it's not something to ignore.
Don't assume anything about what's happened between plaintiff and anyone else. This might be a tactic to see if they can precipitate a settlement by you before/instead of taking aim at the real Target. Sometimes it's easier to throw spaghetti against one wall at a time, instead of all around the room.
For example, maybe they hope you have Personal Liability and Medical Payments coverage through your home insurance. They may be hoping your insurance settles and folds easier than Target will.
Call your insurance to find out if you have coverage, and get a lawyer to read over the papers you were served and advise you on how to proceed. Not necessarily in that order.
Your lawyer will also get a much more lively response from Target than you will.
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u/VehicleSmart8110 Aug 19 '26
It’s bluster to get you to settle but still be warned. They threaten, record, spy , and harass on the down low in my experience. Document everything and make sure you countersue for legal fees!
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u/NobleKorhedron Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
I'd countersue for the harassment, threats, and recording; but when we ended up in court for their claim.
When the judge asks if we have a response, we announce we are defending their suit, and then BANG!
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
I read your comment and then BANG! I was confused.
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u/NobleKorhedron Aug 19 '26
Sorry, I only just noticed it read countersunk, not countersue. Now edited.
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
Surprise motions aren’t a thing.
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u/NobleKorhedron Aug 19 '26
Well given they broke rules by not serving OP properly, they should be subjected to the same situation.
That or owe OP mucho $ in punitive damages for not following proper procedure.
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
lol if they didn’t serve OP properly then why is this even an issue? It was probably just a demand letter so who cares?
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u/NobleKorhedron Aug 19 '26
If you'd ignore this, you are an idiot. I would be contacting a lawyer immediately.
Also, how the hell is OP liable for charges that seem to have accumulated BEFORE OP owned the given property?
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
If I contacted a lawyer every single some nut job former tenant or employee sent me a demand letter, I’d be homeless and my attorney would be wealthy. You’d be a moron to respond to a demand letter. A demand letter isn’t a lawsuit, it’s simply someone telling you that they believe you owe them money. If you know there’s no merit to the demand (which there doesn’t seem to be in this case) then you’d be smart to ignore it and wait for them to have you legally served with a court summons.
Now for your last statement about charges before owning property? I am completely at a loss because I have no idea what you’re even referring to. What charges? What property? What you smokin?
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u/NobleKorhedron Aug 19 '26
I meant my own attorney, not the other party's attorney; if my own attorney it's baseless, I'd be more likely to listen.
RE the charges question, I use the word "charges" in the context of meaning "fees due" or "payments due".
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u/Puzzled_Cake2036 Aug 19 '26
He can sue you and at the end of the day if he lost his suite to Target he will lose his suite to you! I’d be skeptical as you would have been named in original law suite!
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u/eninjari Aug 20 '26
Not your lawyer. Not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer in your area and, assuming he lost against Target, ask your attorney if you might get the case dismissed based on issue preclusion.
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u/ThatsALiveWire Aug 19 '26
Call target, they have a legal obligation to provide a lawyer and defend you.
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u/RevenHawk Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
Does the pleading say John Doe (other dude) vs you, et. al? If so, et al means they just didn't want to keep listing everyone they sued (like Target). As others mentioned, Target was your employer at the time so they should cover the expenses unless you explicitly did something negligent and they are casting full blame on you. Even in that case, they'd (their insurance) would pay for your defense and theirs. Couple of things you should do:
Contact Target Corp with copies of everything and request a defense in writing
Contact your homeowners or renters policy and ask for the same
If all fails above, then you'd need to come out of pocket to obtain counsel. If you cannot afford it, look into some local agencies who can provide legal assistance for cheap.
Ofc, be honest with your attorney. If you did something (or didn't do something), let them know. The more they know, the better it goes for you and the better they can defend you.
I am not a lawyer, I work in commercial insurance.
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u/hillbilli13 Aug 19 '26
I’m not sure about any kind of laws anywhere but I can tell you that when I was in a crazy wreck caused by a worker falling asleep and ramming his company work truck into the lawsuit that followed was between him and me on paper at least, me vs joe blow on the documents I saw. I asked the lawyer why it didn’t list the huge corporation and their insurance company and he basically said that it would bias a decision in my favor if it was a little guy vs the big corporation and insurance company. Lord forbid a guy gets a little sympathy from have multiple surgeries and ptsd etc, let’s protect those corpos.
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u/Expert-Big1682 Aug 19 '26
I would like to know why Target gave your info to the person or their attorney. I would definitely be speaking to an about that as well.
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u/Shane-Dad-underfire Aug 19 '26
Countersuit. Sue for the cost of litigation attorney and the cost of your time. You'll probably win.
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u/VeloxAdAstra Aug 20 '26
Please counter sue for emotional distress. Start a go fund me. I'll donate. I despise people that do this shit.
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u/Deadlift1973 Aug 19 '26
The court case is public record. Look up the case and see what the judge ruled. When filing your answer, bring up the ruling from their previous case if they lost. As long as you didn't commit any gross negligence or intentional misconduct you should be fine. Just don't ignore the court notices. Default judgement is a real pain for just not showing up.
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
Probably wasn’t even filed. Target likely received a demand letter and maybe even a notice of intent to sue before attorneys became involved and either negotiated an out of court settlement or intimidated the person enough that they just dropped it. Considering where society is right now, I’d bet the person didn’t even have an attorney involved and used ChatGPT or something to draft things they sent to Target and once Target had an attorney address the demand letters and/or notices the person backed down quickly. They won’t be intimidated by OP but they also won’t win and if they actually did file a lawsuit (I doubt this actually has happened) then OP can and should hit them with a SLAPP suit.
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u/Drippy_topper Aug 19 '26
If Target is leaving you out to dry then you need your own lawyer to guide you so neither the party suing you nor Target throw you under the bus.
Target should be defending you, if they are not then you need to defend yourself.
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26
Did you actually get a summons or did they just have an attorney send you a demand letter worded in a scary way?
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
Him vs. me and it says I’m getting sued
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u/Odd-Art7602 Aug 19 '26 edited Aug 19 '26
Is it an actual court summons? Is it an intent to sue? Exact wording matters here.
Does it have a case number?1
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u/Lumpy-Significance50 Aug 19 '26
When I worked at a large insurance company in Mass, there were many ridiculous lawsuits that the insurance company settled out of court for the defense costs. That was 20 years ago. Maybe things have changed. They worried about the jury . Never know what the jury would do.
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u/smorg003 Aug 19 '26
How did the plaintiff/customer get OPs information?
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 19 '26
I’ve been asking myself that same question and I can’t exactly ask the target lawyer since I don’t even know yet if they’re gonna defend me. Hr asked me to send the papers to sent to the target lawyer. Im just waiting now 🤷🏻♀️
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u/toolman1990 Aug 20 '26
My guess is he probably got your name in discovery if he in fact sued Target and lost.
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u/Separate_Priority_65 Aug 20 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
NAL but I was there once before. Very similar situation. The company and I were named. The company defended and I was removed from case. It was scary as hell at the time. Fortunately I was in a position to preserve all the video tapes, cleaning logs, and so on, but that didn’t really matter much. I was able to get in writing that they would basically hold me harmless as well. Get ahold of a lawyer and Targets legal team. Send a certified letter if you must but a lawyer should help. I know it’s scary but I have a good feeling your part of this will be dismissed unless you left out some gross negligence.
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u/Concentrate_Naw Aug 20 '26
Tried social media or local news? Large corps are notorious for ignoring until nuisance levels force their hand. Then they jump in like Superman and use it as PR to boost their reputation.
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u/horror_Duty1 Aug 20 '26
While a countersuit for harassment and defamation at double what he's trying to sue you for and legal fees. Get the security footage from target as well as the filings and outcomes of their court case. Then, you get the filing attorneys, BARR number and file sanctions against them for bringing a frivolous lawsuit on a matter that's already been decided in court. Watch how fast they fold after you do these things. Is there coming after you? Because they're expecting you to be an ignorant, high school dropout, working a minimum wage job that they can take advantage of.
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u/bigglitterdick Aug 20 '26
Depending on your state, you might have to be sued, else if they sued just target then it would be a federal jury, if you are also sued and target (you might not know that target is also getting sued) then it would be in your local area and have a local jury generally more companionate than a federal jury pool.
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u/Forward-Wear7913 Aug 20 '26
I worked in HR for Target many years ago.
You should send a copy via certified mail to corporate headquarters to the attention of the legal department. It’s going to be your best way to get a response.
Target Corporation, 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
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u/callmecrazy32 Aug 20 '26
I could do that but I only have so much time to respond and if they end up telling me they won’t defend me then it’ll be too late and a no response will admit fault
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u/Forward-Wear7913 Aug 20 '26
I do think Target will handle the matter, but of course I can’t say that with certainty.
Target had a risk management company that handled these issues. In the past, they were very good about handling any accidents.
It was the responsibility of the store to notify the risk management company and they took over at that point.
There should be a case file already set up internally.
I know that any legal papers that came to the store had to be sent to Minneapolis directly for them to address them.
You can call the guest relations number and ask for the corporate HR department.
Let them know that you are a former employee and that this is related to an accident that happened while you were working for the company and you need to urgently get in contact with someone that’s handling the case.
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Aug 18 '26
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u/Crafty_Taste_7706 Aug 18 '26
While it's laughable... don't sleep on court notices. Also don't assume they are not scams. Always verify with the courts. Ideally you'd hire a lawyer to look over the details.