In a compelling lawsuit filed on August 23, 2024, in Harris County, Texas, a plaintiff alleges serious injuries sustained at a well-known retail store. Sheldon James has brought forth the complaint against Home Depot USA, Inc., doing business as Home Depot #6806, and Rosie Ruiz.
The complaint details that on August 26, 2022, Sheldon James was an invitee at the Home Depot Store #6806 located at 10600 Eastex Freeway in Houston. While browsing the power tools aisle, James felt what he initially thought was a scratch but later realized was a cut caused by a display peg. The injury resulted in significant bleeding and required immediate attention from store employees. One employee even revealed that she had previously been injured by the same display peg. As a result of this incident, James claims to have suffered debilitating physical, mental, emotional, and financial damages.
James' lawsuit accuses Home Depot and Rosie Ruiz of premises liability and negligence. He asserts that both defendants knew or should have known about the dangerous condition posed by the display pegs but failed to take appropriate actions to warn customers or rectify the hazard. The complaint states: "Defendants breached their duty of ordinary care by failing to adequately warn Plaintiff of the condition or failing to make the condition reasonably safe." Furthermore, James lists several failures on part of Home Depot and Ruiz including inadequate inspection and maintenance of the premises, lack of proper safety protocols, and failure to train employees adequately.
James is seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 for his injuries which include physical pain, mental anguish, lost wages, medical expenses, loss of earning capacity, loss of consortium, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life. He requests both past and future damages be considered separately by the court to ensure fair compensation for his suffering.
Representing Sheldon James is attorney Willie D. Powells III from The Law Offices of Willie D. Powells III & Associates PLLC. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-56035 and will be heard in the 334th Judicial District Court with Judge Christopher Matthews presiding.