A Houston resident is taking legal action against the City of Houston, alleging negligence after a severe bicycle accident. Patrick Lusby filed his complaint in the Harris County District Court on June 10, 2024, accusing the City of Houston of failing to maintain safe road conditions.
According to the court documents, Lusby was riding his bicycle on Heights Blvd near the Waugh bridge on November 1, 2023, when he encountered a massive pothole in the designated bike lane. The incident caused him to fall and sustain serious facial injuries. Lusby asserts that the City of Houston had actual knowledge of this dangerous condition as it had been previously reported and improperly repaired. He claims that the city's negligence led directly to his accident and subsequent injuries.
Lusby's petition outlines several specific allegations against the city under §101.022 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code. These include failing to assess and report the hazard timely, neglecting to repair or barricade the area adequately, and not warning bicyclists about the defect. "The City is negligent in failing to follow policies and procedures regarding inspections of hazards/defects," Lusby’s complaint states.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for medical bills, physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, and disfigurement both past and future. Additionally, Lusby requests pre-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law, post-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law, costs of court proceedings, and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Patrick Lusby is attorney Stephen Boutros from Boutrous Law Firm located in Houston. The case has been assigned Case ID 2024-36547 and will be presided over by Judge Joshua Hall in Harris County's 127th Judicial District Court.