A shocking incident at a convenience store has led to a legal battle, as a woman seeks justice for severe injuries allegedly caused by negligence. Rachel Jasso filed a complaint against Circle K Stores Inc. in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on December 18, 2024. The lawsuit claims that Circle K's failure to maintain safe premises resulted in significant harm.
The case centers around an August 2023 incident when Jasso visited a Circle K store in Houston. While reaching for a drink from a refrigerator, she was struck by a metal sheet that fell from above, causing severe injuries to her head and neck. Jasso asserts that the accident was due to Circle K's negligent and reckless conduct. According to the petition, "Defendant knew or should have known an unreasonably dangerous condition existed which posed an unreasonable risk of harm." The plaintiff argues that Circle K failed in its duty to inspect and make the premises safe or adequately warn customers of potential dangers.
Jasso's lawsuit accuses Circle K of multiple counts of negligence and gross negligence. The complaint details various failures on the part of the defendant, including not complying with safety regulations, failing to provide proper equipment and training for employees, and neglecting to eliminate hazardous conditions. Additionally, Jasso invokes the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur, suggesting that such incidents do not occur without negligence when the defendant had control over the premises.
Seeking compensation for her ordeal, Jasso requests damages exceeding $1 million for physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and more. She also demands exemplary damages due to what she describes as Circle K's conscious indifference to safety risks. The plaintiff insists on a jury trial and calls for preservation of all evidence related to the incident.
Representing Rachel Jasso are attorneys Steve Kherkher, Jesus Garcia Jr., Kevin Haynes, Colin Walsh, and Sadi R. Antonmattei-Goitia from Kherkher Garcia LLP. The case is presided over by Judge Carly Mitchell under Case ID 2024-87726.