HOUSTON — An August 2022 trial has been slated in a lawsuit brought by a woman alleging a Sonic employee threw a drink on her and caused her to hit her head on the concrete.

Darnella Ward filed a complaint Aug. 9 in Harris County District Court against TXSDI 5250 LLC, doing business as Sonic Drive Thru, and Destiny Blackmon, also known as Destiny Blackman, alleging negligence and other claims. 

Ward alleges in her complaint that she was at the Sonic on North Fry Road in Katy on June 18. She claims that while she was talking to the Sonic manager, Sonic employee Blackmon walked up and threw a drink at her which caused her to slip and hit her head on the concrete. Ward also claims Blackmon then began to hit her and caused her to suffer "serious" injuries. 

Court records show that on Nov. 11 a docket control order was entered in the case, slating the litigation for trial on Aug. 9, 2022. 

Court records also show Sonic answered the suit on Oct. 7, asserting a general denial and comparative negligence. 

Ward alleges Sonic's negligence for failing to monitor its employees on its premises, failing to properly train and perform background checks on its employees and failing to have adequate security, procedures and safety measures. 

Ward further alleges Sonic negligently hired Blackmon and that they knew or had reason to know she was an incompetent employee. 

Ward claims as a result of her injuries she has suffered pain, mental anguish, physical impairment, disfigurement, loss of earning capacity and incurred medical treatment expenses. 

Ward seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief.

She is represented by Paul Higdon and Christopher Bertini of Higdon Lawyers in Bellaire. 

Sonic is represented by the Law Offices of Sabrina R. Karels in Houston. 

Harris County District Court case number 2021-48580