A shocking lawsuit has been filed against a popular Houston restaurant, alleging severe negligence and gross misconduct. On September 10, 2024, Jorge Armando Villareal and Ana Mininsa Zelaya Grijalva lodged a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Houston River Restaurants, Inc., following an incident that left them with significant injuries.
According to the court documents, the plaintiffs were dining at China River on May 29, 2023, when they slipped on an oily substance on the floor. The plaintiffs argue that this hazardous condition was due to the restaurant's failure to maintain a safe environment. "The unreasonably dangerous condition on Defendant’s premises proximately caused Plaintiffs’ injuries and the need for their subsequent medical treatment," states the complaint. Villareal and Grijalva assert that Houston River Restaurants breached its duty of care by not warning customers about the potential danger or taking steps to rectify it.
The lawsuit outlines multiple instances of alleged negligence by Houston River Restaurants. These include failing to inspect and maintain the premises properly, not providing adequate warnings about slippery conditions, and neglecting to ensure customer safety. The plaintiffs claim these failures amount to both negligence and gross negligence under Texas law. They are seeking compensation for physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Additionally, they demand exemplary damages due to what they describe as "heedless and reckless" behavior by the defendant.
The plaintiffs' legal team is pushing for a jury trial and has requested monetary relief exceeding $1 million. They also seek pre-judgment and post-judgment interest on all awarded damages. Represented by attorneys Kyle Mathis and Amber August from McCormick Law Firm, Villareal and Grijalva are determined to hold Houston River Restaurants accountable for their alleged lapses in safety protocols.
The case is being overseen by Judge Rhonda Memon in Harris County's 215th Judicial District Court under Case ID 2024-61151.