A recent lawsuit has brought to light concerns over safety measures at a major sports venue in Houston. On December 6, 2024, Nora San Miguel filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority (HCHSA). The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on November 18, 2023, when San Miguel attended a concert at the Toyota Center and suffered significant injuries after being pushed down the stairs by an unknown individual.
According to the court documents, San Miguel accuses HCHSA of negligence for failing to provide adequate safety measures and crowd control at the Toyota Center. She argues that as the owner and operator of the venue, HCHSA had a legal duty to ensure a safe environment for all patrons. "Despite this duty," the complaint states, "HCHSA failed to take necessary precautions to prevent the incident." San Miguel's fall resulted in severe physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial losses due to medical expenses and lost wages.
The plaintiff alleges that HCHSA breached its duty of care by not implementing sufficient security personnel or proper signage to warn patrons of potential hazards like overcrowding or pushing in high-traffic areas such as stairways. Furthermore, she claims that HCHSA negligently designed or maintained the venue in a manner that created unreasonable risks. The lawsuit also invokes the Texas Tort Claims Act, asserting that HCHSA's negligent actions constitute premises defects under this law.
San Miguel is seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for her damages. She requests compensation for past and future physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, she demands prejudgment and post-judgment interest as allowed by law.
Representing Nora San Miguel is Sadat Montgomery from Montgomery Law PLLC. The case is filed under Case ID 2024-85202 in front of Judge Christopher Matthews in Harris County's Judicial District Court.