It's a tradition in the restaurant industry to clap when a server drops a tub of dishes. However, Lurlene Glidewell is holding her applause and filing suit instead. While dining at the Port Arthur Chili's, Glidewell claims a waiter dropped a load of dishes on her.
Her suit against Brinker International Inc. (Chili's Grill and Bar) was filed in the Jefferson County District Court on Jan. 28.
According to the plaintiff's petition, on March 24, 2006, Glidewell was eating dinner at the Port Arthur's Chili's, located at 8665 Memorial Blvd. She was seated on the outside of a booth when a server "came by with a load of dishes and fell on (her), causing personal injuries to (Glidewell's) left shoulder, neck, face, stomach, arm, eyes and body in general."
"Plaintiff had a duty to maintain the premises in a reasonable and safe manner," the suit said.
"Defendant was negligent in the proper training of its employees to maintain the conditions of the premises in a safe way, and had actual and constructive notice of the possibility of dangerous conditions occurring that caused Plaintiff's injuries. This condition created unreasonable risk of harm, and Defendant failed to warn Plaintiff of the condition."
Glidewell is suing for past and future mental anguish, medical expenses and impairment.
She is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by Trent Devenzio, attorney for the Waldman Smallwood law firm.
Judge Bob Wortham, 58th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. A181-127