ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A man from Flagler County, Florida, experienced a shocking and traumatic incident at a local Dunkin’ when a toilet exploded on him, covering him in human feces and urine. The man, Paul Kerouac, has filed a lawsuit against Dunkin’ franchisee HZ O Donuts LLC, claiming that the incident occurred on January 6, 2022. According to the lawsuit, the explosion resulted in bodily injury and psychological damages for Kerouac, causing him pain, suffering, disability, and significant emotional injury.
The incident took place at a Dunkin’ location on Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. After the toilet explosion, Kerouac sought assistance from employees to clean himself, only to be told that they were aware of the “problem with the toilet” and these types of incidents had happened before. As a result, Kerouac is seeking damages for injuries, emotional and mental distress, and is expecting the damages to be over $50,000.
The lawsuit filed by attorney Scott W. Spradley of Flagler Beach alleges that the Dunkin’ location was negligent in maintaining the business, failing to warn patrons of hazards, and inadequately inspecting the toilet. As a result, Kerouac is seeking judgment against the franchisee for damages sustained, as well as prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, and costs of action, plus a trial by jury.
FOX 35 reached out to Dunkin’ for comment but has not yet received a response.
In another lawsuit involving a Florida theme park, Donna Montesanti is suing SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment after being struck by a falling palm tree branch at a wedding in Discovery Cove. These incidents highlight potential hazards faced by patrons and the responsibility of businesses to maintain safe environments for their guests.