HOUSTON - A lawsuit has been brought against E-Z Mart over the death of an employee who was shot and killed by an armed robber.
Individually and on behalf of the estate of Pollyanna Smotherman, Virginia Smotherman filed suit against GPM Investments (E-Z Mart) and Counterforce.
According to the lawsuit, Pollyanna was only 40 years old when she lost her life while working for Defendant E-Z Mart1 on July 29, 2020.
“On that tragic day, the victim was working alone in a convenience store at approximately 3 a.m. when an armed robber demanded money and lottery tickets,” the suit states. “Pollyanna was shot at work while working for GPM.”
Following her death, OSHA performed an investigation and recommended several safety features that should have been implemented on the day of the incident, the suit states.
Counterforce was providing security for the convenience store.
The plaintiff is accusing the defendants of gross negligence and is suing for punitive damages.
Attorneys Cody Dishon and Samantha Leifeste of The Ferguson Law Firm in Beaumont are representing the plaintiff.
The lawsuit was filed on March 22 in Harris County District Court.