Convenience store sued after man trips on 'unsecured' rug

Two years ago, Dovie Stokes entered a Texaco Food Mart in Vidor and tripped on an "unsecured" rug.

On April 11 Stokes filed a suit against the convenience owner, Russell Rand, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging the defendant should have known it was dangerous to place a rug in the walkway.

According to his petition, on April 11, 2009, Stokes went to Texaco Food Mart for the purpose to shop.

"While upon defendant's premises, plaintiff suffered serious bodily injuries as a direct result of tripping on an unsecured rug at the threshold of the doorway," the suit states, adding that the defendant should have known of the danger and remedied the hazard.

The suit also alleges Rand failed to warn customers of the danger.

The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Beaumont attorney Adam Terrell of Weller, Green, Toups & Terrell represents him.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. A189-753