In a compelling legal battle, two individuals have taken a local church to court over alleged negligence that resulted in severe injuries. Rosa Rodriguez and Cesar Rodriguez filed a complaint against Saint Mary-Magdalene’s Romanian Orthodox Church on April 25, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County, Texas. The plaintiffs claim that the church's failure to maintain safe premises led to their injuries.
The case centers around an incident that occurred on December 9, 2023, when Rosa and Cesar Rodriguez attended an event at the church located at 318 Canino Road in Houston. As invitees on the property, they assert that they encountered poorly lit and unleveled concrete near the entrance, which caused them to trip and sustain serious bodily harm. According to the petition, "Defendant had a duty to exercise ordinary care to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for the use intended." The plaintiffs argue that the church failed in its responsibilities by not maintaining the area properly or providing adequate warnings about potential hazards.
The plaintiffs accuse Saint Mary-Magdalene’s Romanian Orthodox Church of several acts of negligence. These include allowing dangerous conditions to persist on their property, failing to inspect and correct these conditions, and neglecting to warn guests about potential dangers. The lawsuit highlights that "Defendant is liable to Plaintiffs under the theory of premise liability and negligence," emphasizing the church's obligation as both occupier and owner of the premises.
Rosa and Cesar Rodriguez are seeking monetary relief ranging from $250,000 to $1 million for damages including medical expenses, pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity. They also demand pre-judgment interest along with post-judgment interest should they win their case. Additionally, they have requested a jury trial as part of their legal proceedings.
Representing Rosa and Cesar Rodriguez are attorneys Sarah Y-Nhi Huynh from The Huynh Law Firm PLLC along with Pavel “Paul” Savinov and Michael Alvarez. Hilda Leonor Sibrian from The Law Offices of Hilda L. Sibrian is also listed as counsel for the plaintiffs. The case has been assigned Case ID 2025-29219 in Harris County's District Court.