A lawsuit has been filed against a major city in Texas, alleging negligence and seeking substantial damages. On April 11, 2025, Jordan Goode filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against the City of Houston. The case stems from an incident involving a deputy from the Harris County Sheriff's Department.
According to the complaint, on March 25, 2025, Jordan Goode was involved in a vehicular accident while traveling south on Uvalde Road. The collision occurred when Deputy John McAter, operating a "Lenco Bear Swat Vehicle," allegedly switched lanes unsafely and collided with Goode's vehicle. The lawsuit claims that McAter was acting within his official capacity at the time of the accident, which implicates the City of Houston under Texas law for any negligent actions taken by its employees. Goode's petition asserts that McAter failed to control his vehicle's speed, take proper evasive action, maintain a single lane, and keep a proper lookout among other negligent acts.
The legal basis for Goode's claim is grounded in the Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA), which allows for governmental immunity to be waived in cases involving personal injury caused by government employees operating motor-driven equipment negligently. Goode argues that if Harris County were a private entity, it would be liable for such negligence under state law. Furthermore, Goode accuses Harris County of negligent hiring, training, supervision, monitoring, and retention of Deputy McAter.
Goode seeks monetary relief exceeding $200,000 but not more than $1 million. This amount includes damages for past and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment and disfigurement as well as lost wages and loss of earning capacity. Additionally, Goode requests pre-judgment and post-judgment interest along with all court costs.
Representing Jordan Goode is attorney Jesus A. Salinas from Daspit Law Firm based in Houston. The case is being heard by Judge Lena Hidalgo at the 189th Judicial District Court under Case ID 2025-25881.