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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Lawsuit claims auto parts store fired worker following on-the-job fall

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HOUSTON - A Fort Bend County woman claims an auto parts store purportedly fired her because of her disability, recent court documents say.

Edna Riley sued Azer Texas LLC, doing business as Auto Zone, in Fort Bend County District Court on March 26.

The case was transferred to the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas on May 30.

Riley was employed as a parts salesperson at the defendant's Missouri City store at the time of the events which are the focus of the litigation.

She explains that on March 27, 2011, the business's employees apparently struck her as she was performing her duties and failed to assist her "after she was forced to the floor."

According to the lawsuit, the incident left the plaintiff with serious and permanent injuries such as acute sciatica and nerve damage.

It further alleges the defendant failed to provide Riley with reasonable accommodations in light of her onset of her reported disability as well as reduced her hours.

The plaintiff sought assistance from the Texas Workforce Commission, and shortly after her doctor cleared her to work in early June 2012, the respondent terminated her.

The original petition asserts the dismissal was "based on her disability and her complaints of discrimination."

Aside from the supposed mistreatment, the respondent is faulted for:


  • Failing to provide a safe work environment;

  • Failing to warn of the dangerous condition;

  • Failing to properly train and supervise its employees; and

  • Retaining improperly trained workers.


A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Marjorie A. Murphy of The Murphy Law Practice in Houston is representing Riley.

Case No. 4:13-CV-1587

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