Woman sues homeowner, city over fall on sidewalk

GALVESTON - After injuring her knees and elbows during a visit to Galveston two years ago, Patti Browning has filed suit against her host Todd W. Slaughter and the city of Galveston.

Browning was at Slaughter's residence in the 1720 block of Ave. M on Dec. 14, 2008, when she fell from a shallow step along the sidewalk, the lawsuit filed Dec. 17 in Galveston County District Court explains.

The plaintiff went to place her purse in her vehicle a little after 5:30 p.m. that evening. Browning says the fall occurred because of "the step was inconspicuous in the darkness."

The original petition blames Slaughter for not providing proper lighting and failing to warn the complainant and his other guests about the potential dangers surrounding the step in question. It faults the city simply because the sidewalk on which Browning hurt herself is its property and responsibility.

Consequently, she seeks approximately more than $100,000 in damages as well as a jury trial.

Attorney Mark M. Ferguson of San Antonio is representing the plaintiff, and Galveston County 405th District Court Judge Wayne Mallia is presiding over the case.

Case No. 10-cv-4361