A slip-and-fall incident at a popular restaurant chain has led to a lawsuit seeking damages in excess of $50,000. On June 14, 2024, Carol Margret O’Brien filed a complaint in the Civil Division of Pinellas County, Florida against Outback Steakhouse International Investments Co., doing business as Outback Steakhouse.
According to the complaint, O’Brien was a business invitee at the Outback Steakhouse located at 3690 E Bay Dr, Largo, FL on October 23, 2021. During her visit, she slipped and fell due to a slick and slippery floor that was undergoing repairs or cleaning. The lawsuit alleges that no warning signs were posted to alert customers about the hazardous condition. As a result of the fall, O’Brien sustained severe injuries including a fractured ankle which she claims are permanent.
The plaintiff argues that Outback Steakhouse failed in its duty of care by not providing adequate warnings about the dangerous condition of the floor. The complaint states that "the negligent condition was known or had existed for a sufficient length of time so that the Defendant should have known of it." It further accuses Outback Steakhouse of failing to properly train its employees on maintaining and inspecting areas under repair or cleaning to prevent such hazards.
O’Brien is seeking judgment against Outback Steakhouse for pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses related to hospitalization and nursing care. She demands a trial by jury and any additional relief deemed just by the court.
The case is being handled by David J. Rissman from The Pendas Law Firm based in Tampa, Florida. The case number is 24-002668-CI.