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.