HOUSTON — Grocery giant H-E-B and TK Elevator Corporation (TKE) are facing a lawsuit after the family of a 3-year-old girl says the child lost four fingers in an escalator incident at the Bellaire location in Houston.

The lawsuit, which was filed Oct. 16, says the incident happened on March 30, 2024, while the child was shopping with her family and became trapped by a “wide gap between the escalator steps and the skirt.”

The girl’s family attempted to free her, but the escalators safety features failed to stop the machinery causing the amputation of the child’s fingers, according to a press release from Ben Crump, the attorney representing the family.

“This tragic incident has forever altered the life of a 3-year-old child and her family,” said Crump. “The defendants failed in their basic duty to keep customers safe, and their negligence resulted in a young child losing her fingers in a horrific incident that could have been avoided with proper maintenance. This was completely preventable.”

The lawsuit filed by the family is accusing H-E-B and TK Elevator Corporation of negligence, gross negligence, and premises liability. The family of the 3-year-old is seeking more than $1,000,000 in damages for the girl’s life-altering injuries, emotional distress and ongoing medical needs.

An H-E-B representative issued a statement to Houston Public Media that says maintenance of the escalator was conducted by an outside company. 

"We are deeply committed to our customers and their safety," the statement reads. "This was an incredibly unfortunate accident that we are taking seriously. Although, based on our current investigation of this matter, the escalator was serviced by a third-party company, we will do our best to support the family through this difficult time."