In a compelling legal battle that underscores the potential hazards of retail environments, a Texas resident has filed a lawsuit against a well-known discount retailer. Kristian Watson initiated this legal action on January 3, 2025, in Harris County, Texas, targeting Dolgencorp of Texas Inc., which operates under the trade name Dollar General.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on December 8, 2024, when Watson was shopping at a Dollar General store located at 12020 Ralston Rd in Houston. According to the complaint, Watson was injured when an air mattress fell from a high shelf after being struck by a cart with an attached pole. The plaintiff alleges that there were no warning signs or indicators of potential hazards in the area and claims to have been unaware of the dangerous condition created by the store's setup.
Watson's petition accuses Dollar General of negligence and premises liability. The plaintiff argues that as both owner and occupier of the premises, Dollar General had a duty to maintain safe conditions for its customers. The complaint outlines several points of alleged negligence: failure to maintain safe premises, inadequate inspection for hazardous conditions, failure to correct known dangers, lack of warnings about potential risks, negligent handling and placement of store equipment, and poor employee training and supervision.
The legal filing emphasizes that these negligent acts or omissions directly caused Watson's injuries. The plaintiff seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment and disfigurement, as well as lost wages and diminished earning capacity. In accordance with Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 47(c), Watson is seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million.
Represented by attorney Enrique Perez from Daspit Law Firm in Houston, Watson is requesting that the court grant judgment against Dollar General for all damages incurred due to the incident. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-00308 and will be presided over by judges in Harris County's 333rd Judicial District Court.