The tragic death of a Texas woman has led to a significant legal battle, as her estate and son file a lawsuit against the property owner they claim is responsible. On November 4, 2024, the Estate of Lillian Raughter and Damien Raughter filed a complaint in Harris County District Court against Yeroshalmi Rouhollah. The plaintiffs allege that Rouhollah's negligence in maintaining safe premises led to Lillian Raughter's fatal accident.
According to the lawsuit, on August 21, 2024, Lillian Raughter suffered a severe fall due to deteriorated decking outside Petcare Express in Houston, Texas. This fall resulted in excruciating pain and a right leg fracture for Ms. Raughter, who later died from complications related to the injury. The plaintiffs assert that Rouhollah owned and managed the property where the incident occurred and had been previously warned about the hazardous condition of the deck but failed to take corrective action. "Defendant's wrongful, carelessness, and unskillful conduct resulted in the death of Lillian Raughter," states the petition.
The plaintiffs are seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million for damages including medical expenses, physical pain, mental anguish, loss of earnings capacity, funeral expenses, and more. They also demand punitive damages due to what they describe as gross negligence on Rouhollah's part. The suit claims that Rouhollah was aware of the risks posed by the damaged decking yet consciously disregarded them.
In their cause of action for premise liability and gross negligence, Damien Raughter brings forth both a wrongful death claim individually and a survival claim as representative of his mother's estate. The complaint emphasizes that Rouhollah had either actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition but failed to make necessary repairs or warn patrons like Ms. Raughter.
Representing the plaintiffs is Richard Ryder Haag from Attorney Brian White & Associates P.C., based in Houston. The case is assigned Case ID 2024-77030 in Harris County’s 334th Judicial District Court with Judge Rhonda Momon presiding over initial proceedings.