A restaurant employee has filed a lawsuit against his employer, alleging severe negligence and gross misconduct that led to debilitating injuries. Marvin Hicks filed the complaint in Harris County Civil Court on July 11, 2024, against Quotes Willowbrook Restaurant, LLC, Kevin McCraw, and Harold Steele.
The case centers around an incident on October 22, 2023, when Hicks was working at Quotes Willowbrook Restaurant in Houston. According to the petition, Hicks suffered severe injuries to his left hand after being cut by a shard of glass while performing his duties. Despite being rushed to Houston Methodist Willowbrook for emergency treatment and receiving five stitches on his left ring finger, Hicks claims that the defendants failed to provide any financial assistance for his medical bills. This lack of support came despite assurances from a restaurant manager named Nathan that "everything" would be taken care of.
Hicks alleges that the defendants' refusal to assist with medical costs is particularly egregious given their status as non-subscribers to workers' compensation insurance. The complaint states that Kevin McCraw explicitly told Hicks he would receive no aid if he was not physically present at the business. As a result of these actions and omissions, Hicks contends that he has been left with lasting physical impairments and mounting medical expenses.
The plaintiff's legal team argues that Quotes Willowbrook Restaurant LLC is vicariously liable for the actions of McCraw and Steele under the doctrine of respondeat superior. At all relevant times, McCraw and Steele were allegedly acting within the scope of their employment or furthering the restaurant's pecuniary interests. The complaint also suggests piercing the corporate veil if necessary to hold all responsible parties accountable.
Hicks is seeking monetary relief up to $250,000 for various damages including past and future loss of earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, impairment, disfigurement, court costs, pre-judgment interest at the maximum rate allowed by law per year from when sums are due until judgment is rendered; post-judgment interest from judgment date until full payment; attorney’s fees; and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Marvin Hicks are attorneys Michael P. Prewitt (State Bar No. 24118235) and A. Sampson Gbenjo (State Bar No. 24043047) from The Gbenjo Law Group based in Houston. The case will be heard in Harris County Civil Court under Case ID 1230925.