In a gripping legal confrontation, a Texas-based cook has taken his former employer to court over allegations of negligence that resulted in severe injury. Angel David Maldonado Joya filed a complaint against 1010 Tailgate, LLC, operating as Christian’s Tailgate, in the District Court of Harris County on December 27, 2024. The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on March 17, 2024, at the defendant's bar and restaurant in Houston.
According to the complaint, Maldonado Joya was performing his duties as a cook when he slipped and fractured his wrist while mopping the kitchen floor. The plaintiff asserts that the injury required surgical intervention and resulted in significant physical impairment. Maldonado Joya claims that he was not provided with slip-resistant shoes nor required to wear them by his employer, which contributed to the accident. As a result of this oversight, Maldonado Joya suffered "serious and permanent debilitating physical injuries," for which he holds the defendant liable.
The plaintiff argues that 1010 Tailgate, LLC failed in its duty of care by not adequately training or supervising him and not providing necessary safety equipment or protocols. He further contends that the company did not furnish him with a safe working environment. Due to these alleged failures, Maldonado Joya accuses the defendant of negligence—a claim bolstered by the fact that 1010 Tailgate was a non-subscriber to workers' compensation insurance at the time of the incident. This status precludes them from asserting certain defenses such as comparative negligence.
Maldonado Joya is seeking monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but less than $1 million for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. Additionally, he demands pre-judgment interest and costs associated with pursuing legal action. The plaintiff has also requested a jury trial to resolve these issues.
Representing Angel David Maldonado Joya are attorneys Sarah Y-Nhi Huynh, Pavel “Paul” Savinov, and Michael Alvarez from Huynh Law PLLC based in Houston. The case is filed under Case ID 2024-89231 in Harris County's 61st Judicial District Court.