Hotel server sues over shoulder injuries

A Beaumont woman has filed suit against the owners of a hotel where she claims she was injured while working as a banquet server.

Sharon Howard alleges she was performing her duties as a banquet server at MCM Elegante Hotel in Beaumont on Aug. 13, 2009, when she sustained injuries to her shoulder.

"On or about August 13, 2009, Plaintiff suffered an injury to her right shoulder area when a co-worker, Banquet Manager, Gus Garza, suddenly and without warning struck her while opening a door which was intended to be an exit door instead of an entrance door as he was using it," the suit filed Dec. 7 in Jefferson County District Court states.

Because of the incident, Howard suffered a severe and permanently disabling injury to her right shoulder and has not been able to work, according to the complaint.

She claims the defendant companies -- HTL Operating doing business as Elegante Hotel and Investment Corporation of America -- did not carry workers' compensation insurance at the time of the incident. As a result, Howard claims she should be entitled to all common-law damages.

She blames the hotel for causing her injury and for the pain and suffering she endured, as well as the medical costs she incurred.

The hotel's owners negligently failed to enforce proper safety procedure and failed to properly equip doors, according to the complaint.

In her suit, Howard is seeking a judgment in excess of the minimum jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre- and post-judgment interest, costs, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.

John Werner of Reaud, Morgan and Quinn in Beaumont will be representing her.

The case has been assigned to Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court.

Case No. D188-923