Alvin woman sues Beltone over trip and fall at Dickinson store

GALVESTON - While Beltone is known for assisting the hearing impaired, an Alvin woman filed a lawsuit against it in response to a hip injury she reportedly sustained at one of its area stores more than a year ago.

Waldine Geraci claims in court papers filed May 1 in Galveston County District Court that on Dec. 16, 2011, she was about to enter her vehicle to the defendant's store premises in Dickinson when she tripped and fell on the last step.

The alleged incident left her with a "shattered" hip, the suit says.

It states that the strip mall in which the business is located has a handicap ramp that is "not easily noticeable," additionally pointing out an apparent lack of signs.

"The plaintiff is an elderly woman," the suit says.

"As a hearing aid center, Beltone would be aware that those doing business with it would at least include elderly persons (if not predominantly consist of the elderly), whose hearing and vision would be less keen than other persons."

Geraci insists that she was unaware of such dangers.

Consequently, the complainant sues for physical pain and suffering, impairment, disfigurement and medical expenses.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Charles R. Houssiere III of Houssiere, Durant & Houssiere LLP in Houston is representing Geraci, and Galveston County 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss is presiding over the case.

Case No. 13-CV-612