A Texas resident has taken legal action against a major retail chain, alleging negligence that led to significant personal injury. On August 14, 2024, Velasco Jenkins filed a complaint in Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 1 against Dollar Tree Inc., doing business as Dollar Tree.
According to the lawsuit, Jenkins was shopping at a Dollar Tree store in Fort Bend County on October 1, 2023, when a defective shopping cart fell onto her, causing severe injuries. The plaintiff claims that Dollar Tree failed to provide a safe shopping environment and negligently allowed the dangerous cart to be in use. "Defendant had either actual or constructive notice of the defective shopping cart before it fell onto Plaintiff," the complaint states. Jenkins alleges that this negligence resulted in physical injuries and monetary damages.
The plaintiff's petition outlines several accusations against Dollar Tree, including failing to inspect and maintain the shopping carts regularly and allowing hazardous conditions to persist in the store. Jenkins asserts that as an invitee on the premises, she was owed a full duty of reasonable care by Dollar Tree. The complaint also mentions that Dollar Tree had control over the premises and should have taken steps to mitigate any risks posed by defective equipment.
Jenkins is seeking monetary relief between $100,000 and $250,000 for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, and other damages caused by Dollar Tree's alleged negligence. Additionally, she requests pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the maximum rates allowed by law.
Representing Jenkins are attorneys Kenneth R. Baird and Angela Tyler from The Baird Law Firm based in Houston. The case is being presided over by Judge Teneshia Hudspeth under Case ID 1232897.