Woman sues Cy-Fair-based Just Brakes

A Cy-Fair-based Just Brakes is being sued by a woman who alleges that she was sexually and racially discriminated against and that the actions of the business caused her brakes to fail.

Donna McGraw filed a lawsuit on Nov. 8 in the Harris County District Court against Just Brakes Inc., alleging breach of contract, deceptive trade practices and discrimination.

The plaintiff says that on Nov. 8, 2008, she took her car to the Just Brakes location for minor work but was informed by an employee that her brakes needed major work. She says she had the car recently checked by the dealer so she declined the advice, but did add brake fluid flush and replacement.

She alleges that soon afterward, her brakes failed completely while driving at a high speed, causing her to get into an accident. An analysis of the fluid was found to be something other than brake fluid, she says.

The plaintiff says that she had words with the white male employee over the validity of his brake assessment and believes that the fact that she is female and non-white may have contributed to the wrong fluid being used.

The plaintiff is seeking damages in the amount of at least $700,000, including actual damages, medical costs, physical pain and mental anguish in the past and future, court costs and any other damages she is entitled to by the court.

McGraw is being represented in the case by Houston attorney Robert C. Bard.

Harris County District Court Case No. 2010-73763.

This is a report on a civil lawsuit filed at the Harris County Courthouse. The details in this report come from an original complaint filed by a plaintiff. Please note, a complaint represents an accusation by a private individual, not the government. It is not an indication of guilt, and it only represents one side of the story.