In a compelling wrongful death lawsuit, the family of Arthur P. Haag has taken legal action against several individuals they claim are responsible for his untimely demise. Filed on January 17, 2025, in Harris County, Texas, by plaintiffs Randolph James Haag and others, the complaint targets defendants Tibor Katona, Gabriella Balogh, Laura Avery, and additional unnamed parties. The case revolves around allegations of neglect and misconduct that allegedly led to Arthur's death on January 18, 2023.
The plaintiffs—Randolph James Haag, Kathleen Ann Haag Jarvis, Mary Ann Haag Gervason, Kenneth Paul Haag, and John Randolph Haag—assert that their father Arthur was deprived of valuable time with his family due to the defendants' actions. They accuse the defendants of wrongful acts including neglect and breaches of fiduciary duty which hastened Arthur's death at age 93. The plaintiffs argue that these actions caused them severe emotional distress and financial loss.
Arthur had been suffering from health issues but was expected to live longer. He had plans to spend more time with his family and correct mistakes in his estate planning. However, according to the complaint, these plans were thwarted by the defendants who allegedly prioritized their own financial gain over Arthur's well-being. The plaintiffs claim that defendant Karen L. Haag exploited her marriage to Arthur for financial benefits and manipulated him into making estate decisions favorable to her.
Defendant Tibor Katona is accused of failing in his duties as a caregiver for Arthur, leading to multiple falls that contributed to Arthur's declining health. One significant incident involved a fall outside a barber shop due to Katona's alleged negligence while assisting Arthur out of a vehicle. This fall reportedly caused substantial injury which worsened Arthur’s existing health problems.
The lawsuit also details how defendant Gabriella Balogh allegedly misrepresented her intentions to gain fiduciary roles with access to Arthur’s wealth. Balogh is accused of conspiring with others to extract wealth from Arthur’s estate for personal benefit.
The plaintiffs seek damages exceeding $1 million for various losses including parental guidance, companionship, inheritance, funeral expenses, mental anguish, and exemplary damages for what they describe as willful misconduct by the defendants.
Representing themselves in this case are attorney Robert B. Thomson Jr., from Kearney McWilliams & Davis PLLC for most plaintiffs except John Randolph Haag who is representing himself pro se. The case is filed under Case ID 2025-03711 in the Judicial District Court of Harris County before Judge Marilyn Burgess.