Giovanni Rakestraw has filed a lawsuit against a prominent hotel chain and its associated entities, claiming negligence led to serious injuries during her stay. The complaint was filed on March 20, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, naming "Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston," HR Baytown Bevco, LLC, Hyatt Corporation, and Bayland Island Development, L.C. as defendants.
According to the petition filed by Giovanni Rakestraw, the incident occurred on November 11, 2023, at the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston located at 100 Convention Center Way in Baytown, Texas. Rakestraw alleges that while she was a guest at the hotel, she suffered significant injuries due to a dangerous condition on the premises. Specifically, she claims that the sliding bathroom door in her room lacked a stopper at the top of its rail. This absence allegedly caused the door to slide beyond its intended limit, resulting in injuries to her finger and wrist when it trapped them in its mechanism.
Rakestraw contends that this dangerous condition was known or should have been known by the defendants and their agents through ordinary care. She accuses them of negligence for allowing such a hazardous situation to persist without warning guests like herself. The plaintiff argues that this negligence directly led to her injuries and seeks compensation for various damages including physical pain and suffering both past and future; mental anguish; loss of earnings; medical expenses incurred and anticipated; as well as physical impairment and disfigurement.
The lawsuit demands monetary relief amounting to $250,000 or less excluding interest or punitive damages but covering attorney fees and costs. Rakestraw is represented by Adam P. Criaco from Criaco & Samperi law firm based in Houston. She reserves the right to amend her claim should further evidence suggest different damage amounts are appropriate.
The case is being heard under Judge Nelson Cuero's jurisdiction with Case ID 2025-18955 in Harris County's 201st Judicial District Court.