A local resident has taken legal action against a major retail chain, alleging negligence that led to personal injury. Santiaga Olasabal Ledezma filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas on July 31, 2024, against Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc.
According to the court documents, Ledezma claims that she sustained injuries while shopping at an Academy Sports and Outdoors store located at 13400 East Freeway in Harris County. The incident occurred in June 2022 when Ledezma tripped over clothing that had been left piled on the floor in the winter clothing aisle. She alleges that this hazardous condition was known or should have been known by the store's management but was not addressed. As a result of her fall, Ledezma suffered significant injuries which have led to ongoing medical expenses and other damages.
The plaintiff asserts that Academy Sports and Outdoors failed in several key areas of responsibility. These include maintaining a safe environment for customers, correcting dangerous conditions, warning patrons about potential hazards, inspecting the premises adequately, training employees properly, and implementing effective safety policies. "Defendant owed a legal duty to Plaintiff," states the complaint. "The injuries suffered by Plaintiff occurred as a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s negligence."
Ledezma is seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for various damages including past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, physical impairment, loss of earnings and earning capacity, loss of consortium, disfigurement, mental anguish, fear of future disease or condition, cost of medical monitoring and prevention in the future, property damage as well as exemplary damages due to what she describes as conscious indifference by the defendant towards her safety.
Represented by Kristin Suniga from Marcos & Associates P.C., Ledezma has demanded a jury trial for this case. The filing emphasizes that all documents produced may be used against Academy Sports and Outdoors without needing further authentication during pre-trial proceedings or at trial.
The case is being overseen by Judge Jonathan Vela under Case ID 2024-48460 in the 295th District Court.