A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent fast-food franchise, alleging negligence that led to significant personal injury. On March 20, 2025, Maria Arriaga Duran filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against H.K. Smith Management, Inc., which operates under the McDonald's brand. The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred during her employment at one of their locations.
Maria Arriaga Duran claims that on July 13, 2023, while working at the McDonald's located at 3643 S. Main Street in Stafford, Texas, she sustained severe injuries due to a faulty refrigerator door. According to the filing, as she opened the door, it detached and struck her forehead, resulting in a severe laceration, post-traumatic concussion, traumatic brain injury, and neck injuries. The plaintiff argues that these injuries were a direct result of negligence on the part of H.K. Smith Management.
The complaint outlines several allegations against the defendant: failure to provide a safe work environment, negligent operations on premises, and negligent hiring and supervision practices. Furthermore, since H.K. Smith Management is not subscribed to any workers' compensation insurance under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act for this case scenario, they have forfeited common law defenses such as contributory negligence or assumption of risk by the plaintiff.
Arriaga Duran seeks monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for damages including past and future physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, medical expenses, lost wages and loss of earning capacity. She also requests pre- and post-judgment interest along with court costs. The suit emphasizes that due to the severity of her injuries caused by alleged negligence on part of McDonald's management company; substantial compensation is warranted.
Representing Maria Arriaga Duran is attorney Jared W. Capps from Daspit Law Firm based in Dallas. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-19063 in the 113th Judicial District Court under Judge Marilyn Burgess's jurisdiction.