A couple has filed a lawsuit against a well-known restaurant chain, alleging negligence that led to severe injuries. The complaint was filed by James Marshall and Vallerie Marshall in the Harris County District Court on September 10, 2024, against Casa Ole East Ltd., Casa Hospitality Corp., Casa Ole Management LLC, and MRI Heritage Brands Inc., doing business as Casa Ole.
According to the plaintiffs, the incident occurred on July 20, 2023, when they visited a Casa Ole location at 4018 Spencer Highway in Pasadena, Texas. As they walked hand-in-hand towards the entrance of the restaurant, James Marshall tripped over an exposed piece of metal protruding from the ground. This piece of metal was allegedly a remnant of a former handicapped parking sign. The fall caused both James and Vallerie Marshall to sustain significant injuries that required medical treatment. "The exposed piece of metal created an unreasonable risk of harm that was not known to the Plaintiffs prior to the accident," states the complaint.
The plaintiffs argue that the defendants had actual or constructive knowledge of this hazardous condition but failed to take appropriate measures to warn or protect patrons from it. They claim that this negligence directly resulted in their injuries. The lawsuit further accuses the defendants of breaching their duty to inspect and maintain safe premises for invitees like themselves.
James and Vallerie Marshall are seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1,000,000. They are also requesting pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at the highest legal rate. In addition to compensatory damages for medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, loss of household services, and court costs incurred during litigation.
The case is being handled by attorneys Wisam Ghuneim and Julien Klink from The Ghuneim Law Firm. It is assigned to Judge Chandra Lawson in Harris County's 125th Judicial District Court under Case ID 2024-61141.