Man sues Pasadena sporting goods store after allegedly falling into metal rack

The owner of a Pasadena sporting goods company is accused of causing a customer to fall and seriously injure himself on a metal display rack.

Tod F. Watkins filed a lawsuit Feb. 24 in Harris County District Court against Academy Ltd., doing business as Academy Sports & Outdoors. Watkins claims the Katy-based company is responsible for injuries he allegedly received when he fell in its Pasadena store.

Watkins says he was shopping in the ammunition section of the store on Spencer Highway in March 2009. The man says the aisles were congested by tables being used to display and stack products.

Watkins claims he tripped on a box of clay targets in an aisle, causing him to lose his balance and fall forward into a shelving unit with large metal pegs extending from it.

Watkins says he fell into the metal pegs, gouging his eye socket and nose. He says he also suffered a torn scalp, punctured ear and injuries to his shoulder. Watkins says the trauma caused him to have an irregular heartbeat. He says the injuries continue today.

Watkins contends his injuries are a direct result of Academy’s negligence. He says the company created a hazard by placing tables within the aisles and by placing boxes of clay targets on an already-congested floor.  

Watkins is asking for more than $50,000 to compensate for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, impairment and disfigurement.

Attorney Michael E. Shelton is representing Watkins. He requests a jury trial.
 
Harris County District Court Case No. 2011-12039.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.