BARTOW, FL — A lawsuit filed in the Florida 10th Judicial Circuit Court alleges that an 84-year-old Bartow man suffered serious injuries after falling outside a Waffle House restaurant and is seeking damages from the company.
According to the lawsuit, Edward Bowlds was visiting the restaurant with his wife on April 17, 2025, when he tripped and fell while walking from the parking lot toward the entrance.
The complaint alleges the restaurant had an abnormally high curb that was poorly maintained and lacked paint, markings, or other indicators warning customers of the change in elevation. The lawsuit also claims window advertisements displayed near the entrance distracted Bowlds as he approached the building.
Court documents state that the advertisements were positioned in a manner intended to attract the attention of customers who had already parked and were walking toward the restaurant. While stepping onto the curb, Bowlds allegedly became distracted by the advertisements and unknowingly tripped, resulting in what the lawsuit describes as severe and permanent injuries.
The lawsuit further claims there were no signs or warnings alerting customers to the alleged hazard created by the curb, the lack of warning paint, and the placement of the advertisements.
As a result of the fall, Bowlds says he suffered serious injuries, pain, and suffering. He is seeking damages, court costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.
Bowlds has requested that the case be decided by a jury. The lawsuit remains pending in the Florida 10th Judicial Circuit Court.
SOURCE: Florida 10th Judicial Circuit Court Lawsuit
