Wal-Mart to Appeal $8.5-Million Verdict

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. will appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court an $8.5-million verdict awarded in a Chickasaw County man’s defamation suit, the company’s attorney said.

A judge recently refused to throw out the defamation award in favor of former employee Lamon Griggs, who had been accused of shoplifting tobacco.

Although Wal-Mart argued the verdict “is excessive and shocks the conscience,” the company did not ask that the award be reduced, Judge Andrew Howorth said in his order. Howorth said the court won’t reduce the verdict on its own.