A patron of a popular restaurant chain is seeking justice after a dining experience turned into a painful ordeal. Donna Kleiner-Lichtman filed a complaint against The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, Inc. in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, on July 15, 2024.
According to the court documents, Kleiner-Lichtman was enjoying dinner at The Cheesecake Factory located at 5530 Glades Road in Boca Raton on February 11, 2023. After finishing her meal around 9:15 PM, she got up to leave the restaurant when her foot became entangled in a chair that was protruding into the walkway. This caused her to trip and fall violently, resulting in serious injuries. The plaintiff alleges that poor lighting conditions contributed to the accident by creating a hazardous environment for patrons.
The complaint details several accusations against The Cheesecake Factory. It asserts that the restaurant had exclusive control over the premises and owed a duty of care to its patrons. Specifically, it claims that the defendant failed to ensure adequate lighting in the outdoor dining area and did not properly maintain seating arrangements to prevent tripping hazards. Furthermore, it accuses the restaurant of failing to warn patrons about known or hidden dangers and neglecting routine inspections of common areas.
Kleiner-Lichtman argues that these failures constitute negligence on the part of The Cheesecake Factory. She claims that as a direct result of this negligence, she suffered physical injuries and exacerbation of pre-existing conditions, leading to pain, mental anguish, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. These injuries have reportedly affected her ability to lead a normal life and are described as permanent and continuing.
In her lawsuit, Kleiner-Lichtman seeks damages exceeding $50,000 along with reimbursement for medical expenses incurred due to her injuries. She also requests compensation for future medical costs related to ongoing treatment. Additionally, she demands coverage for legal costs associated with the suit and calls for a jury trial on all triable issues.
Representing Kleiner-Lichtman are attorneys Jeffrey M. Braxton (Florida Bar No.: 151963), Robert H. Stein, and Craig A. Posner from The South Florida Injury Law Firm based in Coral Springs, FL.