Defense Verdict for Big Box Retailer in Houston

October 4, 2021 – Press Release

October 4, 2021 (Houston, TX) – Hawkins Parnell & Young obtained a defense verdict for a Fortune 100 retailer in Harris County, Texas. 

After being restrained by the retailer for shoplifting plumbing materials, the plaintiff filed a lawsuit asserting wrongdoing under the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). He made additional allegations of libel and slander, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, and false imprisonment. The plaintiff also claimed property damage from his business flooding while detained.

Hawkins Parnell began chipping away at the claims by obtaining summary judgment for the DTPA claims. During pretrial, the firrm secured dismissals for the claims of libel and slander, malicious prosecution, and abuse of process. With Judge LaShawn Williams allowing the false imprisonment claims to move forward, Hawkins Parnell defended the retailer over a three-day trial. At closing, the plaintiff asked the jury to award punitive damages and sought attorney fees. The Houston jury returned a unanimous defense verdict for the Hawkins Parnell client in less than three hours.