A routine trip to a home improvement store turned into a legal battle when a customer suffered injuries due to alleged negligence. On January 3, 2025, Judith Osborn filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Home Depot U.S.A., Inc., and its manager Michaelangelo DeLeon. The case highlights the responsibilities of businesses to maintain safe environments for their customers.
Judith Osborn, residing in Fort Bend County, Texas, claims that while visiting the Home Depot store located at 6850 South Fwy Road in Katy, Texas on January 6, 2023, she tripped over a rotted pallet used by the store to stock bags of soil. This incident allegedly resulted in significant injuries as she struck her face and mouth upon falling. Osborn asserts that there were no warning signs present to alert her of the dangerous condition posed by the pallet. She argues that Home Depot and its employees failed in their duty to ensure a safe environment for customers.
The lawsuit is based on accusations of negligence and premises liability against Home Depot and Michaelangelo DeLeon. Osborn contends that the defendants breached their duty by not maintaining a safe environment or taking reasonable care to eliminate foreseeable risks of injury. "Defendant was negligent by breaching the duty that was owed to plaintiff," states the complaint. The lawsuit emphasizes that as an invitee who entered the premises with Home Depot's knowledge and for its benefit, Osborn should have been warned about or protected from any unreasonably dangerous conditions.
Osborn seeks monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but leaves it up to a jury to determine the final amount. She claims damages for physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and necessary medical expenses incurred due to her injuries. Additionally, she requests pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with court costs.
Representing Judith Osborn is attorney James P. Grantham from James P. Grantham Firm PLLC based in Houston, Texas. The case is being overseen by Judge Bernitta Barrett under Case ID 2025-00491 in Harris County's 127th District Court.