Cook burns hands, sues KFC

While cooking, Kathy Kirkwood burned her hands with hot water. Alleging her employer failed to provide her with adequate safety equipment, Kirkwood has filed suit against a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise.

The suit was filed Nov.1 in Jefferson County District Court and names owner Bart Fields as a defendant.

According to the petition, on May 7 Kirkwood "suffered a devastating injury to her hands." Her manager had instructed her to cook when she burned her hands with hot water.

"Kirkwood was not provided with the necessary equipment to perform her work," the suit states. "The injury was caused ... by defendant's negligence."

Kirkwood is suing for past and future mental anguish, pain, medical expenses, impairment, disfigurement and lost wages.

She is represented by Beaumont attorney Dan Ducote Jr. of the Moore Landrey law firm.

Judge Donald Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D188-721