Marilyn Burgess, the District Clerk of Harris County, has received a compelling lawsuit that highlights a troubling incident at a local restaurant. On April 3, 2025, Shardae Beasley filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against Ichthus Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Big Horn BBQ. The case revolves around an unfortunate accident involving Beasley's minor child, M.J., who suffered injuries while dining at the establishment.
The lawsuit details that on May 19, 2023, three-year-old M.J. was an invitee at Big Horn BBQ located on Highway 6 in Manvel, Texas. During their visit, M.J. slipped and fell in a puddle of water near the salad bar, resulting in an eye injury. The plaintiff alleges that there were no warning signs or safety measures such as caution tape to alert diners about the hazard. Consequently, Beasley accuses Ichthus Enterprises of negligence for failing to maintain safe premises and not warning patrons about potential dangers.
According to the petition filed by Beasley’s attorney James D. Burkhalter from Smith & Hassler law firm, Ichthus Enterprises is accused of premises liability due to their negligent conduct which includes "failure to warn Plaintiff of the puddle of water" and "failure to cordon off or clean up the puddle." Furthermore, it is alleged that employees had actual knowledge or should have reasonably known about the dangerous condition but failed to take appropriate actions to rectify it.
Beasley seeks monetary relief exceeding $1 million for damages including past and future medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, loss of earnings and earning capacity, as well as mental anguish endured by her child. The lawsuit emphasizes that these damages are a direct result of Ichthus Enterprises' failure to act as a reasonably prudent premises owner would under similar circumstances.
The case demands a jury trial and requests judgment against Ichthus Enterprises for damages within the jurisdictional limits of the court along with pre-judgment interest from the date of injury through judgment day and post-judgment interest at legal rates. This filing sheds light on significant allegations against Big Horn BBQ's management practices regarding customer safety.
The attorneys representing Shardae Beasley are James D. Burkhalter and Dahlia Coyt from Smith & Hassler law firm based in Houston, Texas. The case is identified under Case ID: 2025-22998 and will be presided over by Judge Nelson Cuero in Harris County's judicial district court.