A tragic incident at a Houston apartment complex has led to a significant legal battle, as the family of a deceased worker files a lawsuit against multiple entities. On April 9, 2025, Carlos Rafael Vega Gonzalez, along with other plaintiffs, filed a complaint in Harris County District Court against VSC Management LLC, B&E Apartments LLC, and Stoneriver Apartments. The lawsuit accuses these defendants of negligence leading to the wrongful death of Rafael Vega Cabrales.
The plaintiffs allege that on February 5, 2025, Rafael Vega Cabrales was fatally injured while working in an unprotected excavation at the Stoneriver Apartments in Houston. According to the complaint, the excavation collapsed due to inadequate safety measures. "Defendants’ negligence and gross negligence resulted in Decedent suffering fatal injuries," states the lawsuit. The plaintiffs argue that VSC Management LLC was responsible for ensuring workplace safety but failed to provide necessary equipment or proper supervision. Similarly, B&E Apartments LLC and Stoneriver Apartments are accused of not maintaining safe premises and failing to warn about potential dangers.
Carlos Rafael Vega Gonzalez brings this case individually and as the heir and personal representative of his father’s estate. Other plaintiffs include Loraynis Cordero Salazar on behalf of her minor children and Mayelin Oliva Arzuaga, Cabrales' surviving wife. They seek compensatory damages for mental anguish, loss of companionship, and financial support that Cabrales would have provided if he had lived. Additionally, they demand exemplary damages due to what they describe as "gross negligence" by the defendants.
The lawsuit outlines several causes of action including wrongful death under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §§ 71.001 et seq., survival actions per §71.021 et seq., and gross negligence claims against each defendant. Plaintiffs argue that all defendants were aware of the risks involved yet proceeded with conscious indifference towards Cabrales' safety.
Represented by Padilla & Rodriguez LLP attorneys John M. Padilla, James G. Rodriguez, Joaquin A. Rodriguez, and Zachary F. Caballero, the plaintiffs are determined to hold these companies accountable for their alleged failures that led to this preventable tragedy. The case is being overseen by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID 2025-24681 in Harris County's 129th Judicial District Court.