PREMISES LIABILITY

U.S. District Court, Fort Myers

A jury awarded a man nearly $1 million in a lawsuit against a Waffle House restaurant where he was robbed.

In the early morning hours of April 19, 2014, Steve Long, 47, was attacked by three assailants after leaving a Waffle House off Highway 75 between Miami and Naples. He claimed facial fractures and traumatic brain injury. Long alleged the restaurant lacked security in an area known for rampant crime.

The restaurant denied the area was known for crime and argued Long was negligent for refusing to give the assailants his money or car keys as they demanded. Counsel also challenged Long's credibility, asserting he had conflicting testimony about the incident.

The restaurant was found liable, and Long was awarded $907,212.

Case: Long v. East Coast Waffles

Case No.: 2:16-cv-00322-PAM-MRM

Plaintiffs attorneys: Todd J. Michaels, The Haggard Law Firm, Coral Gables; David B. Mishael, David B. Mishael P.A., Miami; Steven H. Kassner, Law Offices of Steven H. Kassner, Coral Gables

Defense attorneys: Genevieve P. Rupelli and James T. Sparkman, Cole, Scott & Kissane, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach