In a gripping legal battle that has emerged from an unfortunate incident at a popular dining establishment, two individuals have taken decisive action against the business they hold responsible for life-altering injuries. On November 27, 2024, Bernard and Marybess Guzzetta filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, against Willie's Grill & Icehouse, LLC. The plaintiffs allege that negligence on the part of the restaurant led to severe injuries sustained by Mr. Guzzetta during a visit to the establishment.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on March 15, 2023, when Bernard Guzzetta suffered significant injuries after tripping over an unmarked rack left on the floor at Willie's Grill & Icehouse located at 17492 Northwest Freeway in Jersey Village, Texas. According to the complaint, Mr. Guzzetta was an invitee at the restaurant and fell due to what is described as "the negligence of Willie's Grill & Icehouse, LLC." The lawsuit claims that this negligence resulted in serious and lifelong injuries for Mr. Guzzetta and a substantial loss of consortium for his wife, Marybess Guzzetta.
The plaintiffs argue that Willie's Grill & Icehouse failed in several key areas of responsibility: not marking or removing an empty rack from the floor, inadequate lighting that made it difficult to see potential hazards, and failing to provide warnings about the presence of such obstacles. These failures are said to have created "an unreasonably dangerous condition" which directly caused Mr. Guzzetta's injuries. As a result of these alleged oversights by the restaurant staff—who reportedly left the rack unattended after unloading it—the Guzzettas claim they have endured considerable physical and emotional distress.
Bernard Guzzetta's injuries required extensive medical treatment including multiple surgeries and hardware implantation in his shoulder. Despite some success with surgical interventions, he continues to suffer ongoing pain and impairment as a result of his fall at Willie's Grill & Icehouse. The couple is seeking monetary relief exceeding $1 million for medical expenses (both past and future), pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages due to Mr. Guzzetta's inability to work as before, and increased out-of-pocket expenses related to home maintenance tasks he can no longer perform.
Represented by attorney Ike C. Carrabba from Miller Scarnardi Carrabba & Burgess PC law firm based in Houston, Texas, Bernard and Marybess Guzzetta are pursuing justice through this legal action with hopes of receiving compensation commensurate with their suffering. They have demanded a jury trial as part of their pursuit for redressal.
The case is being presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2024-83667 in Harris County's 127th Judicial District Court.