A Tennessee woman is suing LongHorn Steakhouse for $1 million after she claims she suffered an anaphylactic reaction to lemons in her food, despite informing the restaurant of her severe allergy.
Katherine Lamb-Jones says she told the server at the LongHorn Steakhouse in Madison, Tennessee, about her allergy to lemons on multiple occasions. However, she was still served two dishes that contained lemons, sending her to the hospital in anaphylactic shock.
The incident took place on November 26, 2023, when Lamb-Jones and her family went for a meal at their local LongHorn. Lamb-Jones had previously eaten at this particular location, and the hostess was already "aware of Ms. Lamb-Jones' severe lemon allergy," the complaint states.
Lamb-Jones says she informed the server of her allergy and specifically asked about the lemon content of the items she ordered. However, she was later told that the green beans she had ordered had been prepared with lemon, and she promptly sent them back.
For her entree, Lamb-Jones ordered steak, which is not ordinarily a dish accompanied by lemons. However, she was later informed that the steak had been prepared with lemon seasoning. This caused her to suffer an anaphylactic allergic reaction, and she had to go to the emergency department of Tristar Skyline Medical Center for treatment.
Lamb-Jones' suit accuses LongHorn, along with parent company Darden Restaurants (and subsidiary Rare Hospitality Management, which operates the LongHorn chain) of breaching their "duty of care" to her, as a customer, and demands $1 million in damages.
In a response filed on Monday, LongHorn and its corporate owners denied having "breached any duty" or having "committed any act or omission" that caused Lamb-Jones' condition.
"Defendants at all times acted reasonably and are not liable to the Plaintiff for any sum or sums of money under any legal theory, including premises liability," the response contends.
6 Comments
Katchuka
Seems like she’s trying to capitalize on a tragic event. Was the restaurant really at fault?
BuggaBoom
If she communicated her allergy, then why take the risk by not checking her food? Common sense should come into play.
Eugene Alta
If she clearly communicated her allergy and they still served her lemons, then they are liable. She has every right to sue.
Loubianka
She should’ve been more vigilant about what she was eating instead of looking for a payday.
Muchacha
Allergies are no joke. If they didn’t take her seriously, they need to be held accountable for their negligence.
Bella Ciao
If the restaurant was aware of her allergy, then serving those dishes was a major failure on their part.