Houston, September 2, 2025
News Summary
A jury has awarded $500,000 to a Houston man injured by a golf cart driven by a city official during a parade. The incident, which aggravated his existing injuries, has sparked discussions about accountability for public officials and the legal challenges faced by individuals seeking redress against government entities.
Houston Man Awarded $500,000 After Golf Cart Incident Involving City Official
A jury has awarded $500,000 to John Branch, a Houston man who sustained serious injuries after being struck by a golf cart driven by a city official during a parade in October 2018. The incident occurred during a celebration marking the 125th anniversary of Booker T. Washington High School. Branch, who serves as the director of Precinct 1’s all-volunteer Community Emergency Response Team, claimed his leg was run over by a golf cart operated by then-Houston City Council member Michael Kubosh.
According to Branch, the golf cart rolled up his foot and along the bottom of his shin. Members of his team attempted to stop the cart from running him over, but were unsuccessful. At the time of the accident, Branch was already using a prosthetic knee, and the incident seriously aggravated his condition. Following the incident, Branch reported suffering from falls related to his injuries, including one that required a visit to the emergency room for treatment of a head cut.
In the aftermath of the incident, Kubosh contended that Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena was the one in control of the golf cart when the accident occurred. Both officials urged Branch to seek medical attention from on-site emergency medical services; however, he declined their assistance. With mounting medical expenses, Branch filed a lawsuit against the City of Houston in 2020.
During the trial, the City of Houston argued that Kubosh was not acting in his official capacity as a city employee at the time of the incident, and that the golf cart in question was not owned by the city. The case progressed through several legal challenges, culminating in an appeal to the Texas Supreme Court, which allowed it to advance to a Harris County jury.
The jury ultimately sided with Branch, awarding him $500,000, which surpassed his original claim of $200,000. Following the verdict, Branch expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that the decision brought him to tears. He emphasized the importance of accountability in cases like his. Under Texas tort law, the city is responsible for only half of the jury’s award, capping personal injury claims at $250,000.
Despite the substantial award, Branch highlighted that his case speaks to issues beyond monetary compensation. He noted the absence of an apology or recognition from city officials. Additionally, Branch accused Kubosh of mocking him after the event, alleging that the council member held up a screw that he claimed was part of Branch’s leg. Kubosh has denied any disrespectful behavior or racial remarks during the incident.
Branch plans to allocate any remaining funds after covering his medical bills to the Community Emergency Response Team, reflecting his ongoing commitment to community service. The legal journey related to this case has spanned more than seven years, complicated by resistance and various legal arguments posed by the city.
Background Information
John Branch is a dedicated community leader in Houston, serving as the director of a volunteer emergency response team. The parade where the incident occurred was a significant celebration, adding weight to the unfortunate events that transpired. The prolonged legal battle highlights challenges that individuals may face when seeking redress against government entities. The case has sparked discussions about accountability for public officials and the treatment of individuals injured in unexpected circumstances.
Key Details of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | October 2018 |
| Award Amount | $500,000 |
| Initial Claim | $200,000 |
| City’s Response | Claimed Kubosh wasn’t acting as an employee |
| Medical Expenses | Significant bills leading to lawsuit |
| Legal Process Duration | Over 7 years |
| Community Donations | Funds to be donated after medical costs |
FAQs
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Additional Resources
- Click2Houston
- Wikipedia: Golf Cart Accidents
- ABC13
- Google Search: Golf Cart Accident Law
- Fox 26 Houston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Personal Injury Law
- Fox 10 News
- Google News: John Elway Golf Cart Accident
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
