A local man has filed a lawsuit against an Outback Steakhouse in Ocala, claiming he suffered severe injuries when a toilet at the restaurant “shattered and collapsed” while he was using it.
Michael Green filed the complaint against Outback Steakhouse of Florida, LLC, on the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court for Marion County on December 9. The lawsuit stems from an incident that allegedly occurred at the chain’s location at 3215 SW College Road in Ocala on March 26.
According to the complaint, while Green was visiting the restaurant, he went to use the restroom. The filing states that while Green was “seated on the toilet in the handicap stall, the toilet suddenly shattered and collapsed beneath [him], causing him to fall.”
The lawsuit asserts that the fall resulted in “severe bodily injury.” Green’s attorneys accuse the restaurant of negligence, alleging that the business failed to properly maintain or inspect the toilet, specifically noting a failure to “ensure the toilet was secured to the floor”.
The complaint argues that the restaurant knew or should have known about the “unreasonably dangerous condition” and failed to warn Green or correct the issue.
The lawsuit claims Green suffered “significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function and/or permanent and significant scarring,” as well as pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Green is seeking damages in excess of $50,000, exclusive of interest and costs.
Green is represented by Orlando-based personal injury law firm Dan Newlin & Partners.