HOUSTON — A Houston bar is facing a negligence claim after one of its bouncers allegedly pushed a patron to the ground and caused him to suffer head trauma.
Vernon Hunt filed a complaint June 13 Harris County District Court against Corner West 2 LLC doing business as The Dogwood Midtown alleging negligence and assault.
According to Hunt's complaint, he and a group of friends were at the Dogwood bar on Bagby Street in Houston on Sept. 14, 2019. He alleges that he was told by the bar's bouncer that he "was not in dress code" despite his friends being "dressed similarly casual." Hunt claims as he attempted to flag down his friends to let them know he was not allow in the bar, the bouncer "forcefully" shoved him and knocked him off his feet.
He alleges his head was slammed onto the concrete which caused him to suffer head trauma as well as neck and back injuries. Hunt claims The Dogwood has a reputation for a "violent culture" and is "notorious" for the aggressiveness and "rude" and "discriminatory" treatment of patrons.
He further claims The Dogwood failed to ensure its patrons were safely treated while on their premises, failed to properly train and screen its employees and allowed one of its employees to "knowingly and intentionally" commit assualt.
Hunt seeks monetary relief of more than $250,000, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Ralph Manginello of The Manginello Law Firm PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court 2021-35397