Attack by toilet isn’t something you hear about every day, but a man who recently filed a claim against Waffle House alleges that a loo at a location near Harrisburg, Pa., effectively did just that.
According to documents from the 17-page federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent, 63-year-old Illinois resident John Brock went to use the Waffle House toilet in April 10 of last year. Once he was there, Brock allegedly encountered a “dangerous, hazardous, defective and/or otherwise unsafe condition consisting of an improperly installed toilet seat.”
This toilet seat was apparently not bolted to the toilet correctly, per the suit. While Brock was on it, the seat allegedly tipped over, causing him to fall and sustain injuries, some that may be “permanent in nature,” said the claim. These injuries include back and leg injuries associated with pain, tingling and weakness.
Due to the injuries, Brock’s earning capacity has allegedly been diminished and the suit said that he is no longer able to “enjoy various pleasures of life that he previously enjoyed.”
John Morgan, founder of law firm Morgan & Morgan, and attorney Erin Bock, told The Independent in an email that their client faces challenges carrying out even everyday tasks. They also noted that he had to retire early from his job as a truck driver.
“We are committed to making our client whole again and holding Waffle House accountable for improving the safety at their premises,” said the attorneys. The Independent said Waffle House and the attorney defending the chain did not respond to requests for comment.
Brock’s suit was initially filed in the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas before being removed to Harrisburg federal court on July 9, the outlet noted. In answer filed to the allegations, Waffle House said he “would only have tipped and/or fell over if he was improperly seated on the toilet or otherwise conducting himself in a manner not suited for an ordinary toilet seat,” and it described Brock’s listed injuries as “unreasonable and excessive.”
“Brock, who was unable to be reached on Monday for comment, is now seeking compensatory damages, pain and suffering damages, and ‘all available economic and non-economic damages available’ from Waffle House, Inc., plus interest, lawyers’ fees, and court costs, to be determined by a jury,” said The Independent.
It noted that this isn’t the first toiled-related incident at the center of a lawsuit. The Independent listed suits regarding toilets at Outback Steakhouse, Home Depot and Dunkin Donuts. Audacy has also recently reported on a suit related to wayward mashed potatoes at Outback Steakhouse.
