Maria Tapia de Perez has filed a lawsuit against a local business, alleging negligence after suffering injuries on their premises. The complaint was lodged in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on November 8, 2024, targeting HJY LLC, doing business as Tidwell Washateria.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on November 23, 2022. Maria Tapia de Perez claims she was at Tidwell Washateria to do her laundry when she slipped on a water-like substance on the floor. This fall resulted in a fractured left hand and additional injuries to her head, neck, and back. According to the petition, the defendant's employees were aware of the hazardous condition but failed to address it or warn patrons like Tapia de Perez. The plaintiff argues that there were no warning signs or other indicators of the dangerous condition on the floor, which posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
Tapia de Perez accuses HJY LLC of negligence and premises liability for not maintaining a safe environment for its customers. She contends that the company failed in several ways: by not informing invitees about the slippery floor, neglecting regular inspections and maintenance of their premises, and not providing adequate safety measures such as warning signs or barriers around hazardous areas. The lawsuit invokes principles of negligence per se and respondeat superior, holding Tidwell Washateria accountable for its employees' actions within their employment scope.
In terms of legal recourse, Maria Tapia de Perez seeks monetary relief amounting to $1 million or less for damages incurred due to the incident. She requests compensation for medical expenses already incurred and those anticipated in the future due to her injuries. Additionally, she seeks damages for physical pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement suffered from the fall, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law, and recovery of court costs associated with filing this action.
Representing Maria Tapia de Perez are attorneys Richard A. Hinojosa and Daniela A. Fuentes from Hinojosa Law PLLC based in Houston. The case is assigned to Judge Christopher Matthews under Case ID 2024-78970 in Harris County's 157th District Court.