Summit At Woodhaven has answered a lawsuit brought by Pamelia East, who slipped in a puddle of water near the soda dispenser at the Pei Wei Asian Diner in Beaumont.
Last February, East filed suit against the restaurant in Jefferson County District Court, claiming Pei Wei should have roped off the area and warned patrons of the hazard.
Court records show that on Oct. 6 she amended her petition, naming Summit At Woodhouse as a defendant.
The company answered the suit on April 13, asserting a general denial and asking that the plaintiff take nothing, court papers say.
The lawsuit alleges that East was dinning at the Pei Wei on Dowlen Road on a rainy day "when she slipped and fell in a large puddle of water near the soda dispenser."
"The puddle of water was large and had been on the floor for a long period of time because there were signs that other customers had walked through the puddle," the suit states.
"There was significant rainfall that day. Defendant knew that when it rained, there was a leak in the roof and rain water fell onto the floor."
East alleges Pei Wei negligently failed to "rope off the area that was wet" and warn customers "of the dangerous condition on the floor."
She is suing the company for her alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages.
Beaumont attorney Thomas Moses represents her.
Houston attorney David Odom represents the plaintiff.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 6oth District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. B189-323