HOUSTON — Baleigh Burmaster filed a lawsuit against the Texas Medical Center (TMC) on July 8, 2026, seeking more than $10 million in damages. The lawsuit alleges that inadequate security in Parking Garage 1 enabled a violent attack on Burmaster on May 11, 2026.

Burmaster, a veterinary technician at Houston Methodist, parked on the fifth floor of Parking Garage 1 on May 11. The lawsuit claims Perry Green, 46, approached her, forced her back into her vehicle, and attacked her for 10 to 15 minutes. During the attack, Green allegedly zip-tied Burmaster's hands together and requested her debit cards and keys. According to court documents, Burmaster told police she screamed throughout the incident.

The lawsuit details that Burmaster hit her head on the steering wheel multiple times to honk the horn, but no one responded or came to her aid. After Green allegedly obtained her debit cards and keys and started the vehicle's engine, Burmaster opened the passenger door with her toes and fled to find help. She suffered severe injuries and continues to receive medical treatment and counseling.

The lawsuit alleges that TMC failed to provide operational surveillance cameras, security personnel, and adequate monitoring in Parking Garage 1. It also states that lighting conditions were low, and the sun had not yet risen when the attack occurred. The lawsuit further claims Green entered the garage hours before the incident through a Fannin street-level entrance without resistance, and no one was monitoring the garage during the attack.

Why It Matters

This lawsuit addresses the safety protocols in place at major medical facilities, specifically concerning public parking areas. The case highlights concerns regarding the level of surveillance and security staffing, and examines the effectiveness of current measures in preventing violent crimes within such environments. The outcome could influence future security practices for large medical campuses and similar public access points.