Shirley Kaiser has filed a lawsuit against Harris County, Texas, alleging negligence after suffering a severe injury due to a slip and fall incident. The complaint was lodged in the District Court of Harris County on November 8, 2024. Kaiser accuses Harris County of failing to maintain safe premises at the Bay Area Community Center, where she fell and fractured her hip.
The case revolves around an incident that occurred on January 5, 2023, when Shirley Kaiser slipped on an extremely slick floor at the Bay Area Community Center located at 5002 E. NASA Parkway in Seabrook, Texas. According to the petition filed by Kaiser's attorney Jonathan C. Kieschnick, Harris County had actual knowledge of the dangerous condition but failed to warn visitors or rectify the hazard. The plaintiff asserts that this breach of duty led directly to her injury. "HARRIS COUNTY breached its duty by not adequately warning Plaintiff of the condition and by failing to make the premises reasonably safe," states the petition.
Kaiser claims that Harris County's negligence caused her significant harm, including a fractured right hip that required surgery. She is seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but less than $1 million for medical expenses, physical pain and mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, and associated costs. The suit also demands pre-judgment interest and court costs.
The legal action invokes jurisdiction under Title 5, Chapter 101 of the Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code—commonly known as the Texas Tort Claims Act—asserting that if Harris County were a private entity, it would be liable for negligence under state law. The petition argues there are no valid exceptions for immunity from liability applicable in this case.
Representing Shirley Kaiser is attorney Jonathan C. Kieschnick from Houston-based law firm JCK Law Firm. The case is filed under Case ID 2024-79004 in the 215th Judicial District Court of Harris County with Judge Lina Hidalgo being served as part of procedural requirements.