Michael Green sued Outback Steakhouse of Florida, LLC, alleging a toilet at the Ocala location "shattered and collapsed" beneath him on March 26, causing a fall and serious injuries. The complaint, filed Dec. 9 in Marion County, accuses the restaurant of negligence and seeks more than $50,000 in damages. Outback and parent Bloomin' Brands did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The suit comes as Bloomin' Brands pursues a $50–$75 million turnaround for Outback amid recent closures.
Florida Man Sues Outback After Toilet Allegedly "Shattered and Collapsed" Beneath Him
Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via GettySouth Carolina, Myrtle Beach, Outback Steakhouse, empty parking lot.
A Florida man has filed a lawsuit claiming he was seriously injured when a toilet at an Outback Steakhouse location in Ocala "shattered and collapsed" while he was seated, causing him to fall.
What the Complaint Says
According to court records cited by local news, Michael Green filed the complaint on Dec. 9 in Marion County against Outback Steakhouse of Florida, LLC. The suit relates to an incident the filing says occurred on March 26 at the restaurant's Ocala location.
Alexi Rosenfeld/GettyExterior view of the entrance to an Outback Steakhouse restaurant with outdoor seating occupied by diners nearby
The complaint alleges that Green was dining at the restaurant and used the handicap stall restroom. While he was "seated on the toilet in the handicap stall, the toilet suddenly shattered and collapsed beneath [him], causing him to fall," the filing states.
Alleged Injuries and Damages
Green claims the fall produced "severe bodily injury" and alleges he suffered "significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function and/or permanent and significant scarring," along with ongoing pain and suffering, medical bills and lost earnings. He is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, exclusive of interest and court costs.
Stephen Morton/WireImageGroup dining in a restaurant booth a server carrying plates of food
Negligence Allegations
The lawsuit accuses the restaurant of negligence, claiming it failed to properly maintain or inspect the restroom fixture and did not ensure the toilet was securely fastened to the floor. The complaint further contends the restaurant knew or should have known about the allegedly dangerous condition and failed to warn patrons or take corrective action.
Outback's Broader Business Context
People reached out to representatives for Outback Steakhouse and parent company Bloomin' Brands for comment but did not receive an immediate response. The legal action comes as Outback navigates wider operational challenges: the chain recently closed multiple underperforming locations and earlier in the year reportedly shuttered 41 restaurants.
Bloomin' Brands has told investors it plans to invest $50 million to $75 million in a multi-year turnaround for Outback Steakhouse focused on food quality, service improvements, menu simplification, marketing and remodeling many locations. Company officials have attributed recent closures to weak sales and reduced customer traffic but say they remain committed to the brand.
Note: This is a report of a pending lawsuit. Allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court.
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