A tragic accident at a popular Texas event has led to a lawsuit that could have significant implications for public safety at large-scale gatherings. On August 14, 2024, Tyree Kennedy filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Inc., alleging negligence after being trampled by an out-of-control steer.
According to the complaint, Kennedy was attending the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo on March 9, 2024, when he was suddenly charged by a large steer in the livestock area. The steer, which was supposed to be under the control of one of the event's agents, broke free and trampled Kennedy, throwing him into a trash bin used for cow waste. The plaintiff claims that this incident resulted in severe personal injuries and damages. "Defendant’s agent who was supposed to be leading the animal failed to maintain control," reads the complaint. As a result of this failure, Kennedy sustained injuries that have led him to seek legal recourse.
Kennedy's lawsuit outlines several accusations against the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The plaintiff argues that the defendant failed in their duty to make the area safe for invitees by not providing adequate warnings about potential dangers and failing to restrict access to hazardous areas. The complaint further alleges that the defendant did not properly train their employees on how to safely control livestock and did not implement necessary safety protocols to protect attendees from harm. "Defendant allowed public access to an area where dangerous animals were present without implementing necessary restrictions or safety protocols," states Kennedy’s petition.
The lawsuit seeks various forms of relief from the court. Kennedy is asking for actual damages exceeding $60,000 but less than $250,000 for medical expenses incurred both past and future, pain and suffering endured both past and future, mental anguish experienced both past and future, as well as lost wages or income due to his injuries. Additionally, he requests pre-judgment interest from thirty days after sums are due until judgment is rendered and post-judgment interest until full payment is made. He also seeks recovery of all court costs associated with bringing this action forward.
Representing Tyree Kennedy are attorneys David K. Mestemaker (State Bar No. 13974600), Norman Straub (State Bar No. 00793002), and Jonathan B. Zumwalt (State Bar No. 24053570) from Mestemaker, Straub & Zumwalt law firm located at 3100 Timmons Lane, Suite 455 in Houston, Texas. The case has been assigned Case ID: 2024-52932 in Harris County District Court.