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Jose Garza, et al. v. Harris County

Date: 06-25-1998

Case Number: 14-96-01455-CV

Judge: Bennie C. Boles

Court: 127th District Court, Harris County, Texas

Plaintiff's Attorney: Hugh J. Howerton and A. Don Forester, Houston, Texas

Defendant's Attorney: Ralph R. Martinez, Wade B. Reese, Barbara Ann Callistien and Lisa S. Rice of Tucker, Hendryx, Taunton, Snyder & Slade, P.C., Houston, Texas

Description:

Automobile accident - Harris County sought to recover damages sustained by it as a result of an automobile accident involving a Harris county deputy and defendant. Plaintiff's deputy while responding to a call did not turn on his overhead lights.

Outcome:

Jury verdict finding that Garza was 60% at fault and found that the deputy acted in good faith with regard to the accident. The trial court entered judgment against Harris county for: (1) $1,360.00 for Lori Silva, (2) $24,257.38 for Jose Garza, as next friend of Yvonne Silvestre, and (3) $880.00 for Yvonne Silvestre, individually.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Unknown

Defendant's Experts:

Unknown

Comments:

Reversed and remanded by the Court of Appeals of Texas, Houston District because the county was immune from liability if the deputy was acting in good faith at the time of the accident. See: 971 S.W.2d 733 (Tex.App. - Houston [14th Dist.] 1998). The date shown above is the date of the appellate court decision and not the trial date.

About This Case

What was the outcome of Jose Garza, et al. v. Harris County?

The outcome was: Jury verdict finding that Garza was 60% at fault and found that the deputy acted in good faith with regard to the accident. The trial court entered judgment against Harris county for: (1) $1,360.00 for Lori Silva, (2) $24,257.38 for Jose Garza, as next friend of Yvonne Silvestre, and (3) $880.00 for Yvonne Silvestre, individually.

Which court heard Jose Garza, et al. v. Harris County?

This case was heard in 127th District Court, Harris County, Texas, TX. The presiding judge was Bennie C. Boles.

Who were the attorneys in Jose Garza, et al. v. Harris County?

Plaintiff's attorney: Hugh J. Howerton and A. Don Forester, Houston, Texas. Defendant's attorney: Ralph R. Martinez, Wade B. Reese, Barbara Ann Callistien and Lisa S. Rice of Tucker, Hendryx, Taunton, Snyder & Slade, P.C., Houston, Texas.

When was Jose Garza, et al. v. Harris County decided?

This case was decided on June 25, 1998.