Martin Ben Hardin has taken legal action against a major grocery chain, highlighting the often-overlooked dangers of everyday shopping. On April 25, 2025, Martin Ben Hardin filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against H-E-B, LP and H.E. Butt Grocery Company. The case underscores the importance of store safety and the responsibilities businesses have towards their patrons.
The incident at the heart of this lawsuit occurred on April 21, 2024, when Hardin visited an H-E-B store located at 3815 Westheimer Rd., Houston, Texas. During his visit, he slipped and fell due to an improperly placed and poorly maintained floor mat. This accident resulted in serious personal injuries for Hardin. In his petition, Hardin alleges that the defendants were aware or should have been aware of the hazardous condition but failed to take necessary actions to rectify it or warn customers. "Defendants had a duty to use ordinary care to ensure the premises did not present a danger to invitees," reads part of the petition.
Hardin's lawsuit is based on two primary causes of action: premises liability and negligent activity. He argues that as business operators, H-E-B and its associates were negligent in maintaining safe conditions for their customers. The complaint details several alleged failures by the defendants including not developing reasonable policies to identify hazards, failing to inspect and repair known defects, and neglecting to maintain a safe environment for patrons like Hardin.
In terms of damages sought, Hardin claims significant physical injuries along with mental anguish and economic losses resulting from lost wages and medical expenses. He is seeking compensation for past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, mental distress, impairment, disfigurement, and loss of earnings—amounting potentially up to $1 million as stated under Rule 47(c) of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Representing Martin Ben Hardin is Gregory L. Gowan from Gowan Law Group P.C., alongside David L. Jones who has been actively involved in filing this petition. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-29292 under Judge Yasmin Creag at Harris County's 190th Judicial District Court.