A shopper's routine visit to a local grocery store turned into a legal battle after an unexpected slip and fall incident. Eusebia Doria Cruz filed a complaint on July 19, 2024, in the District Court of Harris County against Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, LLC and Lewis Food Town, Inc., alleging negligence that led to her injuries.
According to the court documents, Cruz was shopping at Food Town located at 20851 Farm to Market Road in New Caney, Texas on August 19, 2022. As she approached the register, she slipped and fell due to a puddle of water that had accumulated from a leaking Coca-Cola refrigerator. The lawsuit claims that both defendants failed in their duty to maintain safe premises and adequately warn customers of potential hazards. "There were no warnings placed to advise Plaintiff nor any other incoming guest," the complaint states.
Cruz alleges that Food Town negligently operated their business by failing to discover and address the dangerous condition posed by the water leak. The lawsuit outlines several specific points of negligence including failure to properly warn customers, failure to guard against dangers, and failure to station an employee near the hazardous area. Similarly, Coca-Cola is accused of failing to provide adequate maintenance for their refrigeration unit which resulted in the leak. "Despite its duty to maintain the refrigeration unit in a safe and operational condition, Coca-Cola negligently failed," reads another section of the complaint.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical expenses incurred as well as those anticipated in the future. She also seeks compensation for physical pain and mental anguish suffered both past and future, along with physical impairment caused by the incident. Cruz has requested monetary relief between $250,000 and $1,000,000. Additionally, she demands pre-judgment interest on her damages as allowed by Texas law.
Representing Cruz is Rivera Hernandez Campos PLLC with offices located at 5835 Callaghan Road Suite @) San Antonio, TX 78228. The case will be presided over by Judge Jonathan Velasquez under Case ID: 2024-45365.