A Houston resident has filed a lawsuit following a harrowing incident at a local laundromat. On December 19, 2024, Gustavia Harris submitted a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against Corner Stone Washateria LLC and its owner, Barkatali Maredia. The filing details an unfortunate event that left Harris with serious injuries due to alleged negligence on the part of the defendants.
The case stems from an incident on May 19, 2024, when Harris visited Corner Stone Washateria located at 14055 Walters Rd in Houston, Texas. According to the petition, as she attempted to enter the laundromat through its front door, it detached from its top hinge and fell on her head and neck. Harris claims there were no warnings about the door's dangerous condition prior to her entry. The lawsuit asserts that neither Maredia nor any employees warned her or took steps to rectify the hazardous situation despite being aware or reasonably expected to be aware of it.
Harris’s legal action accuses Corner Stone Washateria LLC and Barkatali Maredia of premises liability due to their failure to maintain safe conditions for business invitees like herself. The petition argues that as owners and operators of the premises, they had a duty to ensure safety by managing and inspecting potential hazards such as unstable doors. Furthermore, Harris alleges that Maredia intentionally destroyed video evidence of the incident, which could have been crucial in determining liability.
In terms of relief sought, Harris is pursuing compensation for various damages including past and future physical pain and disability, mental anguish, loss of earnings and earning capacity, medical expenses incurred due to her injuries, physical disfigurement, and impairment. Additionally, she seeks pre-judgment and post-judgment interest as per Texas Finance Code §304.001 et seq., along with costs associated with bringing this lawsuit.
Representing Gustavia Harris is attorney Tiffany Pennington from Attorney Brian White & Associates P.C., based in Houston. The case is assigned under Case ID 2024-88118 in the 113th District Court with Judge Rhonda Momon overseeing proceedings.