Houston must defend negligence claim over man’s fatal attempt to stop bin lorry

The City of Houston must continue defending a negligence lawsuit brought by Sathya Rajendra after her husband, Rajendra Gudur, died while trying to stop a city garbage truck. A Texas appeals court rejected the city’s request to dismiss the claim, finding the allegations sufficient for the case to proceed; the ruling does not determine whether Houston was negligent or guarantee a settlement.

Gudur fell and struck his head after trying to flag down and bang on the truck on 4 March 2024, and later died from his injuries. His lawyer said a jury could apportion responsibility: under Texas rules, the family could recover a share of damages if Gudur is found no more than 50 per cent at fault, but nothing if he is found more than 50 per cent at fault. The city may seek dismissal again, and its deadline to request a rehearing was extended to 23 October 2026.