HOUSTON – A Houston healthcare worker is suing the Texas Medical Center, alleging a violent attack inside a public parking garage was the result of serious and preventable security failures. The lawsuit claims the incident in Parking Garage 1 was foreseeable and that basic safety measures could have reduced or prevented the attack.
According to the petition, Baleigh Burmaster arrived around 6:30 a.m. on May 11 for her shift as a veterinary technician and parked in Texas Medical Center Public Parking Garage 1. Court documents say she was attacked moments after exiting her vehicle inside the garage
The filing alleges the attacker repeatedly stabbed Burmaster, forced her back into her vehicle, restrained her during the struggle, and attempted to take control of the car before she ultimately escaped. Attorneys estimate the ordeal lasted between 10 and 15 minutes.
Allegations of missing security and surveillance
The lawsuit claims there were no operational surveillance cameras or on-site security personnel in the garage at the time of the attack. It further alleges the suspect was able to enter the garage hours earlier and remain inside undetected, using the structure to conceal himself before the assault.
Crime history cited in lawsuit
Attorneys argue the attack was foreseeable, pointing to multiple violent crimes reported in and around the Texas Medical Center in the weeks surrounding the incident. The filing says at least four violent crimes were reported in a two-week span, including incidents on Texas Medical Center property.
Suspect identified using METRO video
The petition states the suspect was later identified using Houston METRO surveillance video rather than any cameras inside the parking garage, which investigators used to track and arrest him after the attack.
Post-attack changes referenced
The lawsuit further alleges that security improvements were implemented after the incident, including increased patrols and additional signage, and argues those changes show stronger protections were available and should have been in place beforehand.
Burmaster is seeking more than $10 million in damages, along with punitive damages, according to court filings. The Texas Medical Center has not yet filed a public response to the allegations.