Giovanni Rakestraw has filed a lawsuit against several entities associated with the Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston, alleging negligence after suffering serious injuries on their premises. The complaint was filed in the District Court of Harris County, Texas, on March 20, 2025, naming "Hyatt Regency Baytown-Houston," HR Baytown Bevco, LLC, Hyatt Corporation, and Bayland Island Development, L.C. as defendants.
The case stems from an incident that occurred on November 11, 2023. Giovanni Rakestraw claims she was injured due to a dangerous condition at the hotel where she was staying. According to the petition, Rakestraw's injury occurred when her finger got caught in the sliding bathroom door mechanism because it lacked a stopper at the top of the rail. This absence allegedly allowed the door to slide beyond its intended stopping point, causing significant harm to Rakestraw's finger and wrist.
Rakestraw argues that the defendants were aware or should have been aware of this hazardous condition through ordinary care but failed to address it or warn guests about it. The plaintiff accuses the defendants and their agents of negligence for allowing such a dangerous condition to persist and failing to take necessary precautions or provide warnings about potential risks.
In her lawsuit, Rakestraw is seeking compensation for various damages resulting from her injuries. These include physical pain and disability from the date of injury until trial; anticipated future pain and suffering; mental anguish and embarrassment; loss of earnings both past and future; medical expenses incurred since the injury; anticipated future medical costs; as well as physical impairment and disfigurement experienced since the incident.
The plaintiff is asking for monetary relief amounting to $250,000 or less—excluding interest, statutory or punitive damages—and seeks actual damages along with pre-judgment and post-judgment interest at legal rates. Additionally, she reserves the right to amend her pleadings should further evidence necessitate adjustments in claimed amounts.
Representing Giovanni Rakestraw is attorney Adam P. Criaco from Criaco & Samperi law firm based in Houston. The case is assigned Case ID 2025-18955 in Harris County's 201st Judicial District Court.