Dollar General Faces Federal Slip and Fall Lawsuit in Texas

A San Angelo resident has taken Dollar General to federal court, alleging negligence after a slip and fall at a store on June 17, 2024 left her with injuries to her neck, back, left arm, and right knee. Christina Gonzalez originally filed her claim on September 8, 2025 in El Paso County court, and the company moved the matter to federal court on October 15, 2025. Court records now show the case docketed in the San Angelo Division of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas.

Gonzalez says she slipped on an unmarked patch of liquid in front of a bank of drink coolers at the Dollar General at 4214 College Hills Boulevard. Her complaint asserts premises liability and general negligence, and it names vicarious liability for employee actions along with negligent hiring, supervision and management claims. She seeks up to one million dollars for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and related costs. A federal jury trial date is set for December 14, 2026 if the case is not resolved sooner.

In its federal answer Dollar General admitted basic facts including the date and location of the incident, that Gonzalez was an invitee, that no wet floor sign was present at the time of the fall, and that the area was cleaned after being notified. The company denied legal liability and asserted several affirmative defenses. Those defenses include comparative negligence, that the incident was an unavoidable accident, limits on recoverable medical expenses under Texas law, and the plaintiff failed to mitigate damages. Dollar General also objected to certain discovery requests as premature.

The plaintiff is represented by Daniela Labinoti of El Paso. Dollar General is defended by Robert E. Valdez and Brenda Montoya of San Antonio. Reporters who visited the store on November 25 found the floor area at issue to be clean. Neither party responded to requests for comment.

For employees the case underscores operational risks that can follow customer injuries. Store training, cleaning schedules, signage practices and supervision can come under scrutiny in litigation, and legal exposure may influence staffing and management decisions at discount retailers that face a broader pattern of similar claims. The lawsuit remains in early stages as both sides prepare discovery and pretrial filings.