Barbara Shields has filed a lawsuit against a major retail corporation, alleging negligence and premises liability after an incident at one of their stores. The complaint was lodged by Shields in the Harris County District Court on February 5, 2025, targeting Walmart Inc., Wal-Mart Stores Texas LLC doing business as Walmart Supercenter #1137, and an unidentified employee referred to as John Doe.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on February 17, 2023, when Shields was shopping at a Walmart located at 13750 East Freeway in Houston, Texas. According to the petition, while navigating through the store aisles, Shields was struck by a pallet jack pushed by John Doe, an employee of Walmart. The impact of the collision with her shopping cart resulted in significant injuries to Shields' hand and fingers. "The knuckle of the index finger on her left hand was injured," the petition states. Despite attempts to alleviate her pain through injections and medication, Shields eventually required surgery due to persistent swelling and disfigurement.
Shields accuses Walmart and its entities of failing to maintain a safe environment for customers. She claims that they were aware or should have been aware of their employee's negligent behavior yet failed to act accordingly. "Walmart owed Plaintiff the duty to inspect the premises and maintain them in a reasonably safe manner," asserts the complaint. Additionally, she argues that Walmart's hiring practices were negligent as they did not adequately train or supervise their staff regarding proper safety protocols within the store.
The plaintiff seeks monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million for damages including physical pain and suffering, medical expenses both past and future, loss of earnings, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Furthermore, she requests exemplary damages citing gross negligence on part of the defendants who allegedly showed "conscious indifference" towards customer safety.
Representing Barbara Shields is attorney Marty J. Taylor from Law Office of Marty J Taylor PLLC based in Dallas. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-07952 under Judge Jarod Stirrup at Harris County’s 61st Judicial District Court.