H-E-B designates expert witnesses in slip & fall suit

With a trial slated for April, H-E-B has designated its expert witnesses in a slip-and-fall lawsuit against the grocery chain. 

As previously reported, plaintiff Florence Brown filed suit against the Port Arthur H-E-B on Nov. 12, 2010, in Jefferson County District Court, alleging she slipped in a puddle of water at the grocery store.

H-E-B filed its designation of expert witnesses on Jan. 21, court papers say.

The list of witnesses includes the plaintiff and her husband, Dr. John Taylor and several other medical personnel and several H-E-B employees.

A second discovery control plan order was entered in the case on July 23, moving the case to the court’s April 2013 docket.

According to her petition, on May 13, 2009, Brown was shopping at the store when she “slipped in what she later learned to be water.”

Brown says in her suit that she was completely unaware of any liquid substances on the floor and H-E-B had a duty to warn her of the danger.

She further maintains that H-E-B negligently failed to inspect and clean its premises and keep it a hazard free place to shop.

Brown is suing for her alleged past and future mental anguish, medical expenses, impairment and disfigurement.

Beaumont attorney Michael McGown of Benckenstein, Norvell & Nathan, represents her.

H-E-B is represented by Houston attorney Kip Patterson of Baker & Patterson LLP.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, is presiding over the case.

Case No. A188-786