Mexican grill settles trip & fall suit

La Cantina Mexican Grill has settled a suit brought by Gerald Corley, who claims he tripped over an “unmarked step” at the restaurant.

As previously reported, the suit was filed April 1, 2011, in Jefferson County District Court and also names the restaurant’s owner, Rodrigo Bravo Sr., as a defendant.

Court records show that on May 24 Corley filed a motion to dismiss with prejudice, stating the parties reached a settlement and he no longer wishes to pursue the lawsuit.

Judge Bob Wortham, 58th District Court, dismissed the defendant on June 7, court papers say.

The lawsuit alleges that on April 14, 2009, Corley was entering the La Cantina Mexican Grill in Beaumont when “he tripped and stumbled over an unmarked step,” injuring himself.

The suit does not state how Corley was injured, only that the restaurant had a duty to safeguard patrons and warn them of the dangers of an unmarked step.

The plaintiff was suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages, plus all court costs.

Beaumont attorney Jonathan Juhan represents the plaintiff.

The defendants are represented by Kirk Willis, attorney for the Dallas law firm Helms & Greene.

Case No. A189-702