A recent court filing reveals a dramatic personal injury lawsuit involving a well-known Houston establishment. On September 13, 2024, Charisma O’Bryant filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against Vaughn R. Taylor, Yolanda Taylor, Taylor’s of Houston, Inc., Yotay Enterprises, Inc., and Q.LA.P.M., Inc.
The lawsuit centers around an incident that occurred on September 17, 2022. According to the complaint, O’Bryant was assisting at a musical event held at Taylor’s of Houston when she suffered severe injuries due to unsafe conditions on the property. The plaintiff alleges that while walking across the back deck of the venue, her foot got stuck in an uneven section of the decking, causing her to fall onto concrete steps and sustain significant injuries to her left leg. She was subsequently taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital where she required surgical intervention for several broken bones.
O’Bryant's petition outlines various accusations against the defendants. It claims that they were negligent in maintaining safe conditions at their establishment and failed to provide adequate warnings about known dangers. Specifically, it is alleged that "Taylor’s had a duty and obligation to maintain the Property in a safe condition for the public," but failed to do so by not addressing hazardous conditions or placing warning signs around dangerous areas.
The plaintiff further asserts that all defendants acted as a single business enterprise and are therefore jointly liable for her injuries. The lawsuit includes causes of action such as vicarious liability, negligence, premise liability, and creation of a dangerous condition. O’Bryant contends that "Defendants knew or should have known that defects on the decking posed a dangerous condition" but negligently refused or failed to take necessary actions to mitigate these risks.
In terms of relief sought from the court, O’Bryant is requesting actual damages within the jurisdictional limits of the court—estimated between $250,000 and $1 million—as well as pre- and post-judgment interest and costs of court. She also demands a jury trial.
Representing Charisma O’Bryant are attorneys Sherry Scott Chandler and Lewis M. Chandler from Chandler Law Firm L.L.P., while Judge Marilyn Burgess will oversee proceedings under Case ID 2024-62207.