Arkansas Family Dollar Customers Sue Retailer Amid Rat Infestation Saga

Family Dollar Warehouse Rodent Infestation Overview:

• Who: A rodent infestation at a Family Dollar warehouse has prompted Arkansas consumers to file a class action against the chain after 404 stores were temporarily closed.
• Why: The rodent infestation caused conditions that placed products in unsanitary conditions and rendered the products worthless, plaintiffs say.
• Where: The lawsuit was filed in an Arkansas circuit court.

Family Dollar knowingly sold products potentially contaminated by a massive rat infestation at one of its warehouses, which closed more than 400 stores in six states when it came to light, a new Arkansas class action lawsuit alleges.

Plaintiffs Randall Robertson and Julian A. Graves filed the class action lawsuit against Family Dollar Stores of Arkansas, LLC and Family Dollar Services, LLC Mar. 24 in an Arkansas circuit court, alleging violations of consumer laws.

The plaintiffs, both Pope County residents, allege they both bought “contaminated products” from Family Dollar stores supplied by a warehouse with a rat infestation.

“Plaintiffs suffered actual financial loss as a result of their purchase of contaminated products,” the lawsuit states. “Because of the multitude of health hazards associated with a rodent infestation, the Contaminated Products are worthless and Plaintiff and Class Members did not receive any benefit from the Contaminated Product.”

Family Dollar Warehouse Rat Infestation Prompts Mass Recall

A massive rat infestation at a Family Dollar warehouse prompted the chain to temporarily close 404 stores and recall a range of products in February. 

On Feb. 19, the discount chain store said it had temporarily closed the stores after ​​The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was alerted to unsanitary conditions by a consumer complaint.

After an inspection of the West Memphis facility, the FDA reported that it found “live rodents; dead rodents in various states of decay; rodent feces and urine; evidence of gnawing, nesting and rodent odors throughout the facility; dead birds; and bird droppings” at the center.

The discovery prompted a far-reaching recall of food, dietary supplements, cosmetics and other products due to the unsanitary conditions caused by the rats.

Family Dollar Customers in Arkansas Did Not Receive Refunds, Lawsuit Says

The plaintiffs said they had to throw out other products that the contaminated products came into contact with in their homes. 

They also say that Family Dollar appeared to be on notice about the rat problem as it has a “disturbing history of rat infestations” but did not act soon enough to prevent customers from buying contaminated products.

The plaintiffs say, while Family Dollar said it would issue refunds for contaminated products when returned to the store, they were also told by the FDA to immediately throw away the contaminated products. Also, the stores where the products were purchased were closed due to the contamination. 

The plaintiffs are suing under Arkansas consumer law and looking to represent anyone in Arkansas who bought a contaminated product from a Family Dollar in Arkansas from Jan. 1, 2021, to Feb. 18, 2022. 

They’re seeking restitution of the money they spent at the store, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial. 

The lawsuit follows a similar class action filed in Mississippi federal court last month, alleging Family Dollar knowingly sold products potentially contaminated by the massive rat infestation. 

What do you think about the actions of Family Dollar in this case? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiffs are represented by James A. Street of Streett Law Firm, P.A. and J. Gerard Stranch, IV of Branstreeter, Stranch & Jennings, PLLC

The Family Dollar Arkansas Class Action Lawsuit is Randall Robertson et al., v. Family Dollar Stores of Arkansas, LLC et al., Case No. 4:22-cv-00269-BSM, in the Circuit Court of Pope County, Arkansas.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Dollar Tree Reveals Federal Grand Jury Subpoena Following Family Dollar Rodent Infestation Report
• Family Dollar Class Action Alleges Company Sold Products Amid Massive Rat Infestation
• Family Dollar Rat Infestation Closes More Than 400 Stores, Prompts Mass Recalls
• Family Dollar Recalls Beach Loungers for Risk of Finger Injury