FORT MYERS — A Steak N Shake employee alleges she suffered retaliation and was fired for reporting serious mold infestation in the restaurant to county and state officials.
Carolina Russell filed a complaint Oct. 16 in federal court against Steak N Shake Inc., alleging violation of the Family & Medical Leave Act, Florida Private Whistleblower Act and other claims.
According to her complaint, Russell began working for Steak N Shake in July 2022. In September 2022, the restaurant where she worked suffered significant damage, including water intrusion, from Hurricane Ian. She claims the defendant failed to correct the damage which caused a mold infestation and that in the summer of 2023, she began to suffer health issues, including respiratory complications.
Russell alleges after the defendant refused to remediate the toxic mold, she reported the problem to county and state officials. She further alleges the defendant retaliated against her by refusing her FMLA leave due to her mold-related health issues and terminated her job in September of 2023.
Russell seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. She is represented by Benjamin Yormak of Yormak Employment & Disability Law in Bonita Springs.
U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida Fort Myers Division case number 2:23-CV-00895