A shopper's routine visit to a grocery store turned into a legal battle after she suffered injuries from a slip and fall incident. Sandra Elizabeth Jasso Garcia has filed a lawsuit against Fiesta Mart, L.L.C., alleging negligence after she slipped on grapes at one of their stores. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on December 31, 2024.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on May 22, 2023, when Garcia was shopping at the Fiesta Mart located at 8320 Farm to Market Road 1960 in Houston. According to the petition, while navigating through the seafood aisle, Garcia encountered grapes spilled on the floor, leading to her fall and subsequent injuries. The plaintiff asserts that there were no warning signs or barriers placed by Fiesta Mart to alert customers of the hazard posed by the spilled grapes. This oversight forms the crux of Garcia's negligence claim against Fiesta Mart.
Garcia's lawsuit accuses Fiesta Mart of failing in its duty of care owed to her as an invitee on their premises. The petition outlines several alleged breaches by Fiesta Mart including creating a dangerous condition through its employees' actions or omissions, neglecting to place cautionary signage or barriers around the spill area, and failing to inspect and maintain safe premises for customers. "Defendant knew or reasonably should have known about the danger posed by the grapes being on its premises," states Garcia’s petition.
The damages sought by Garcia are substantial due to her claims of enduring physical pain and mental anguish as a result of her injuries. She argues that these injuries have necessitated medical treatment in the past and will likely require further medical attention in the future. Additionally, if any pre-existing conditions existed prior to this incident, Garcia contends they were aggravated by her fall due to Fiesta Mart's negligence.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Garcia is pursuing monetary compensation ranging from $250,000 up to $1 million for her injuries and associated damages. She also seeks pre-judgment interest as part of her damages claim under Texas law.
Representing Sandra Elizabeth Jasso Garcia is attorney Carlo F. Salvato III from Law Offices of Domingo Garcia, L.L.P., based in Houston. The case is filed under Case ID 2024-90018 with Judge Tayler Hatcher presiding over proceedings in Harris County’s 80th District Court.