A recent lawsuit filed in Harris County, Texas, brings to light a concerning incident at a local grocery store chain. Felicitas Hernandez has lodged a complaint against H-E-B, LP, doing business as Joe V’s Smart Shop, on February 11, 2025. The case centers around an alleged injury sustained by Hernandez due to hazardous conditions at one of the defendant's stores.
According to the complaint filed by Hernandez in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, she was injured on April 28, 2024, while shopping at Joe V’s Smart Shop located at 5609 Uvalde Rd., Houston. Hernandez claims that she tripped and fell over a pallet while trying to reach water bottles stacked on top of it. This fall resulted in severe injuries requiring ongoing medical attention. She accuses H-E-B of premises liability and negligence for failing to maintain safe conditions within their store. "The hazardous pallet posed an unreasonable risk of harm," states the petition, emphasizing that the defendant should have been aware of this danger.
Hernandez's legal team argues that H-E-B had a duty to ensure the safety of its premises for invitees like her. They claim that the company failed in its responsibility by not inspecting or addressing potential hazards such as improperly placed pallets. Furthermore, they allege negligent undertaking and training on the part of H-E-B for not providing adequate safety procedures or employee training to prevent such incidents.
In her petition, Hernandez seeks monetary relief under $73,000 for damages including medical expenses from April 28, 2024 onwards, physical pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages and earning capacity, physical disfigurement, and mental anguish. The plaintiff is also asking for pre-judgment interest from the date of injury until judgment is rendered and post-judgment interest as well as court costs.
Representing Felicitas Hernandez is attorney Annie Basu from Basu Law Firm PLLC based in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-09419 with Judge Tianni Williams presiding over proceedings.