Outback Steakhouse Faces A $50K Lawsuit For An Outrageous And Unexpected Allegation

When a food service operation is facing a lawsuit it's usually safe to assume that it stems from bad chow or poor service. However, neither is the case regarding the recent allegations against Outback Steakhouse. The Australian-themed restaurant chain (though it's less Australian than you might think) isn't being sued for anything involving its buttery steak or coconut shrimp. Instead, the lawsuit takes aim at one of its locations' restrooms to the tune of $50,000.

A Florida resident named Michael Green, represented by the personal injury law firm Dan Newlin & Partners, claims that when he attempted to use the restroom in an Outback Steakhouse in Ocala, Florida the toilet burst into pieces beneath him as he sat down. The ensuing tumble allegedly led to serious injury including "significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function," per Ocala-News. Green claims he has also been left with scars resulting from the incident.

The lawsuit against Outback asserts the chain neglected to ensure the toilet was fastened to the floor properly. It also charges that the restaurant should have been aware of the issue and failed to inform Green that there was anything he should worry about while stopping off to do his business. Unfortunately for Outback, the timing of this lawsuit couldn't be worse.

Of the top three steakhouse chains in the United States, Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn have been far more successful than Outback Steakhouse in recent years. In truth, the Florida-based restaurant has been struggling which has led to it recently closing dozens of stores across the country. However, it has its sights set on correcting course with plans to invest $50 million toward improving the menu and remodeling its remaining locations.

Michael Green's $50,000 lawsuit against Outback may seem like a drop in the bucket compared to $50 million (and in truth, it is), but this is a bad look from a PR standpoint as corporate attempts to right the ship. Interestingly, the incident that purportedly spawned the lawsuit occurred all the way back on March 26. It may be that he was navigating the challenges dealing with the injury allegedly caused by the restroom catastrophe. Why he waited so long to take action against the chain is really anyone's guess. Whatever the reason, Outback Steakhouse will likely be motivated to pay up and put this event in the past as it embarks on its pricey revamp.