Sandy Acosta has filed a lawsuit against Taqueria Tepatitlan #11, alleging negligence after a ceiling-mounted speaker fell on her while dining at the restaurant. The complaint was filed in Harris County District Court on January 16, 2025, with Taqueria Tepatitlan named as the defendant.
According to the petition, the incident occurred on April 27, 2024, at the Taqueria Tepatitlan #11 location on Southwest Freeway in Houston. Acosta claims that while she was enjoying her meal, a speaker unexpectedly detached from the ceiling and struck her, resulting in serious bodily injuries. The plaintiff accuses the restaurant of failing to maintain a safe environment for its patrons by not properly installing or securing the speaker and neglecting regular inspections and maintenance. The lawsuit asserts that these failures led to an unreasonable risk of harm not only to Acosta but also to other customers.
The legal filing outlines several causes of action against Taqueria Tepatitlan #11. Primarily, it accuses the establishment of negligence for not exercising ordinary care in maintaining its premises safely. It further argues that the restaurant is vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior because its employees were responsible for ensuring that fixtures like ceiling speakers were secure and safe for customers. Additionally, Acosta’s petition includes a claim of premises liability, asserting that as an invitee on their property, she was owed a duty of care which was breached by failing to address known hazards.
Acosta seeks monetary damages not exceeding $250,000 at this stage but reserves the right to request higher compensation during trial proceedings. She is asking for compensation covering past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, physical pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of earnings or earning capacity, court costs, and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Representing Sandy Acosta are attorneys Andrew Dao and Kaseem Malik An-Noor from Daly & Black P.C., based in Houston. The case is assigned Case ID 2025-03301 in Harris County's 295th Judicial District Court.