A woman is seeking justice after a traumatic incident at a popular restaurant chain left her with severe injuries. Deborah Sullivan filed a complaint against BMJC Restaurant LLC, doing business as Steak 'N Shake, in the Circuit Court of Pinellas County, Florida, on November 21, 2024. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the restaurant leading to her fall and subsequent injuries.
According to the complaint, Deborah Sullivan was an invitee at the Steak 'N Shake located at 2490 State Road 580 in Clearwater, Florida, on October 3, 2023. After finishing her lunch around 2:00 p.m., she slipped on a large puddle of dirty water that had accumulated around a garbage can. This fall resulted in permanent injuries to Sullivan's head, neck, body, limbs, and nervous system. The complaint states that the puddle constituted a dangerous condition which should have been addressed by the restaurant staff.
Sullivan's lawsuit accuses Steak 'N Shake of breaching several duties owed to her as an invitee under Florida law. These include maintaining safe premises by properly cleaning floors and correcting known hazards or warning patrons about them. The plaintiff argues that Steak 'N Shake either created or knew about the hazardous condition due to its employees' actions or negligence in cleaning procedures.
The complaint further details how this negligence has led to significant physical and emotional distress for Sullivan. She claims to have suffered extreme pain and suffering, disability, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life due to her injuries. Additionally, she has incurred substantial medical expenses and lost earnings both past and future due to diminished earning capacity resulting from her injuries.
In light of these allegations, Deborah Sullivan seeks damages exceeding $50,000 from BMJC Restaurant LLC along with costs associated with bringing this action forward. She demands a jury trial for all issues triable by right before such a panel.
Representing Deborah Sullivan is attorney Megan E. Ingram from Ingram Injury Law based in Clearwater, Florida. No specific judge has been assigned yet for this case under Case ID: 24-005132-CI.