In the United States, Walmart is often synonymous with low prices. The world’s largest retailer offers consumers an array of goods at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
But what some shoppers may not realize is that Walmart’s prices come at a cost – to its employees, to the environment, and to taxpayers. In fact, Walmart’s business model is built on a foundation of government subsidies and low-wage workers.
While Walmart is notorious for its low wages, the company also doesn’t provide its workers with many opportunities for advancement. In fact, a recent study found that just 6 percent of Walmart employees receive raises each year.
For those who do receive raises, the average increase is just pennies above minimum wage. This lack of opportunity means that many Walmart employees are stuck in a cycle of poverty, relying on government assistance to make ends meet.
In addition to its low wages, Walmart also has a history of violating environmental regulations. In the past decade, the company has been fined more than $27 million for violating the Clean Water Act. And just last year, Walmart was caught selling illegal pesticides in China.
What’s more, Walmart costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year in the form of subsidies and other forms of public assistance. A recent study found that Walmart employees receive an estimated $6.2 billion in public assistance each year, including food stamps, Medicaid, and subsidized housing. When all forms of public assistance are taken into account, taxpayers are shelling out an estimated $15 billion each year to subsidize Walmart’s low-wage workers.
Conclusion: How much money does Walmart settle for slip and fall accidents?
While there is no one answer to this question as settlements vary case by case, it is safe to say that Walmart likely spends millions of dollars each year settling slip and fall accidents that occur in their stores.
