A Harris County resident has taken legal action against a major retail corporation, alleging negligence that led to personal injury. Patricia Espitia filed a complaint on May 8, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, accusing Walmart Inc. and Walmart Stores Texas, LLC of failing to maintain safe premises, which resulted in her sustaining serious injuries.
The lawsuit stems from an incident on March 8, 2024, when Espitia was shopping at a Walmart store located at North Main Street in Pearland, Texas. According to the complaint, Espitia slipped on what she believes was chicken grease near the self-checkout area. The fall caused her significant bodily harm. The plaintiff argues that Walmart failed in its duty to keep the store floor safe and free from hazardous conditions. She claims that the floor was not slip-resistant and that Walmart did not adequately inspect or maintain it. Espitia's petition states: "Defendant negligently allowed the premises to become dangerous" and failed to warn customers of potential hazards despite knowing about them.
Espitia's lawsuit accuses Walmart of several counts of negligence under premises liability law. These include allowing dangerous conditions to exist, failing to inspect for slippery substances on the floor, and not providing adequate warnings about these dangers. The plaintiff asserts that as an invitee in the store, she was owed a duty of care by Walmart to ensure her safety while shopping.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Espitia is asking for monetary compensation for damages sustained due to her fall. She seeks an amount exceeding $250,000 but less than $1 million as per Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 47(c). Her claims cover physical pain and mental anguish experienced both past and future; loss of earning capacity; disfigurement; physical impairment; medical expenses incurred and anticipated; along with other damages permitted by law.
Representing Patricia Espitia are attorneys Sarah Y-Nhi Huynh, Pavel “Paul” Savinov, Michael Alvarez, Jay M. Taylor from Huynh Law PLLC based in Houston alongside Hilda Leonor Sibrian from The Law Offices Of Hilda L Sibrian PC also located in Houston. This case is filed under Case ID 2025-32496 before Judge lis Colins at Court No:295 Judicial District Harris County.