A slip-and-fall incident at a prominent shopping center has led to a legal battle, as a Texas resident seeks justice for injuries sustained on the premises. On December 2, 2024, Nestor Steven Canela Velasquez filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against Galleria Mall, L.L.C., Galleria Mall Investors, L.P., Simon Property Group (Texas), L.P., SMS Holdings Corporation, and Tapestry, Inc. d/b/a The Coach Store.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on September 10, 2023, when Velasquez visited the defendants' property and slipped on a clear substance in the main aisle. This fall resulted in personal injuries and property damage. Velasquez claims that the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the defendants who failed to maintain safe conditions on their premises. The plaintiff alleges that the defendants neglected their duty by not correcting hazardous conditions or warning invitees like him about potential dangers.
Velasquez is seeking monetary compensation for damages ranging between $250,000 and $1,000,000. The damages sought include medical expenses incurred due to injuries from the accident and those anticipated in the future. Additionally, he seeks compensation for physical pain and suffering, loss of earnings and earning capacity, loss of consortium with family members, disfigurement, mental anguish both past and future, as well as property damage. In his petition for exemplary damages, Velasquez argues that the defendants exhibited gross negligence by being aware of risks yet showing indifference to safety concerns.
Represented by attorney Javier Marcos Jr. from Law Offices of Marco Associates P.C., Velasquez demands a jury trial to address these grievances. He aims for judgment against all named defendants jointly and severally for amounts exceeding minimum jurisdictional limits along with pre-judgment and post-judgment interests.
The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2024-83964 in Harris County's 113th Judicial District Court.