BEAUMONT - While a jury found Buffalo Wild Wings negligent for injuries suffered by a former waitress who slipped on a freshly mopped kitchen floor, awarding more than $112,000 in damages, no exemplary damages were awarded.
Seeking exemplary damages and more for her injury, Amanda Beuhler filed suit against RC Port Arthur, doing business as Buffalo Wild Wings, on Dec. 13, 2013, in Jefferson County District Court.
The trial of the case was originally set to begin Oct. 26 but was continued. The case finally went to trial on March 14 and ended three days later.
According to the charge of the court, jurors found Buffalo Wild Wings was negligent in causing the occurrence in question, awarding Beuhler a total of $112,500 in damages for her physical pain, impairment and medical expenses.
Jurors declined to award any damages for Beuhler’s alleged mental anguish and loss of earning capacity in the past.
Furthermore, jurors found that Buffalo Wild Wings did not act in malice, opting not to award any exemplary damages.
Jurors also found that the defendant did not discharge Beuhler for filing a worker’s compensation claim.
According to the lawsuit, on Dec. 9, 2012, Beuhler went to the Buffalo Wild Wings in Beaumont to retrieve her work schedule. As she entered the kitchen area, she slipped and fell on a freshly degreased, mopped and slippery floor, breaking her ankle in the process.
The suit says no warning signs were posted in the area and accused the defendant of negligently failing to warn the plaintiff.
Court records show the defendant filed an amended answer on June 29, stating Beuhler failed to exercise ordinary care, was a trespasser at the time and is the sole negligent party.
Beuhler is represented by Joe Dodson, attorney for the Beaumont law firm Strong Pipkin Bissell & Ledyard.
Buffalo Wild Wings is represented by William Cozort Jr., attorney for the Houston law firm Brothers Alvarado.
Judge Kent Walston, 58th District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. A195-041