League City couple sues Jiffy Lube over fall in garage

GALVESTON � A League City couple blames an auto repair business for a head injury reportedly suffered by the husband six months ago, court papers say.

Elias and Sarah Sanchez filed a personal injury lawsuit against Jiffy Lube International Inc., Allied Lube Texas I LLC and Ryan Bierschwale in Galveston County District Court on Nov. 20.

Documents say the Sanchezes went to the Jiffy Lube in Friendswood on May 5 to get unspecified work done on their vehicle. When the job was complete, employee Bierschwale instructed Elias Sanchez to drive the car off the working platform and out of the garage.

Elias Sanchez declined and asked that the store personnel do it themselves.

As he walked away, the plaintiff slipped and fell head-first, the suit says.

"While still within the garage, the plaintiff encountered a dangerous condition that caused him to fall, striking his head, knocking him unconscious, and leading to severe and permanent impairment," explains the original petition.

The plaintiffs say the defendants did nothing to make sure there was no clear and present danger at the business prior to their visit.

The lube shop's negligence caused Elias Sanchez to take a dangerous spill and hurt his head, the plaintiffs claim.

"Defendants engaged in a negligent activity that caused the plaintiff's injuries and damages," the complaint states. "Specifically, the act of soliciting the plaintiff to enter into a dangerous environment on the premises in the form of the working garage area, rather than undertaking such activities themselves and delivering cars to customers in a safe location outside of the garage area. It was this activity and practice that caused the plaintiff's injuries and damages."

The suit says Elias Sanchez has suffered pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity since the incident while Sarah Sanchez was deprived of consortium and household services.

League City attorney Scott C. Krist is representing the Sanchezes.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia.

Case No. 08CV1170