A personal injury lawsuit has been filed in Harris County, Texas, after a security guard working at a distribution center in Baytown allegedly suffered a severe head injury when an 18-wheeler trailer door swung shut and struck her. According to the petition, the incident occurred on March 3, 2023, while the Plaintiff was performing security work for Defendant Floor and Decor at its Baytown distribution center.
The petition alleges that a truck driver, Sanford Holloway, Jr., was operating an 18-wheeler provided by Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC. The lawsuit claims Holloway alerted the Plaintiff that he did not have the required seal on the trailer, and the Plaintiff told him to check inside the trailer where the seal had likely been placed. The petition alleges Holloway opened the trailer door and climbed inside, but failed to secure the door so it would remain open.
According to the lawsuit, the Plaintiff remained on the ground below when a large gust of wind blew the unlatched trailer door closed, violently striking her in the head and causing her to lose consciousness. The petition alleges the Plaintiff suffered a traumatic brain injury along with additional injuries to her head, left arm, right eye, face, back, and neck.
The Plaintiff is represented by Marcus Spagnoletti and Eric Rhine of the Spagnoletti Law Firm.
Allegations Against Floor and Decor, Swift Transportation, and the Driver
The petition alleges the Plaintiff’s injuries were caused by the negligence and gross negligence of Floor and Decor Outlets of America, Inc., Swift Transportation Co. of Arizona, LLC, and Sanford Holloway, Jr.
Allegations against Floor and Decor. The lawsuit claims Floor and Decor failed to properly monitor and oversee workplace safety, failed to plan and follow standard procedures, failed to train and supervise personnel, failed to implement adequate safety policies, and failed to ensure policies were in place regarding securing 18-wheeler doors at the distribution center. The petition also alleges failures to recognize and remediate hazards, failures to provide adequate warnings, and alleged OSHA-related violations.
Allegations against Swift Transportation. The lawsuit similarly alleges Swift Transportation failed to properly monitor and oversee safety, failed to plan and supervise work, failed to train and supervise employees, failed to implement adequate safety policies, and failed to ensure procedures existed for securing 18-wheeler trailer doors. The petition also alleges failures to recognize hazards, provide warnings, and comply with applicable standards.
Allegations against the driver. As to Holloway, the petition alleges he failed to secure the trailer door so it could not be blown closed, failed to follow safety policies and procedures, failed to recognize hazards, failed to provide adequate warnings, and allegedly violated applicable safety standards.
Why Trailer Door Incidents Can Cause Serious Injuries
Even when an 18-wheeler is not moving, trailer doors can create significant hazards at loading areas and distribution centers—especially in high-wind conditions. A heavy trailer door can swing shut with substantial force, and when it strikes a person at head level it can cause serious and catastrophic injuries, including head trauma and long-term neurologic complications.
The petition in this case frames the incident as preventable, alleging that basic safety steps—such as securing the door before entering the trailer—were not taken.
Investigation and Evidence in Distribution Center Injury Lawsuits
Cases involving distribution-center injuries often turn on what safety rules existed, how they were communicated, and whether they were enforced. Early investigation commonly focuses on obtaining and preserving key evidence, including site safety procedures, contractor policies, training materials, dispatch or gate logs, and communications about sealing and load-out practices.
When cameras are present, surveillance video may help clarify how the trailer door was positioned, what warnings were given, and whether proper procedures were followed. In some cases, an expert witness may be used to evaluate industry practices for trailer-door safety and worksite hazard controls.
A central issue is often causation—specifically, what actions or omissions allegedly led to the door striking the worker and whether appropriate safety steps would have prevented the injury. To help prevent lost or altered records, attorneys may send a preservation letter demanding that documents, video, and incident-related materials be retained.
Damages Alleged in the Petition
The petition seeks recovery for a range of claimed damages, including past and future physical pain and mental anguish, lost earnings, loss of wage earning capacity, physical impairment, past and future medical expenses, and disfigurement.
In many injury cases, damages may include both economic damages (such as medical bills and lost income) and non-economic damages (such as pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life).
Speak With a Truck Accident Attorney
Workplace incidents involving commercial trucks are not limited to roadway crashes. Serious injuries can also occur at distribution centers when safety procedures are not followed and hazardous conditions are not addressed. Spagnoletti Law Firm represents individuals harmed in incidents involving commercial vehicles, including workplace injury claims connected to an 18-wheeler accident.
Our attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm for a confidential consultation at 713-804-9306. You can also contact us online to discuss potential legal options.