A NAPKIN SPARKS A LEGAL STORM Fast-Food Folly
There are several ways to become a millionaire in this country, but suing a fast-food chain over a napkin isn’t one of them. In 2014, a McDonald’s restaurant in Pacoima, California, became the focus of a national discussion on how the legal system addressed frivolous lawsuits. It all started with a customer named Webster Lucas, who complained to the manager when he discovered that he had been given only one napkin with his meal. Lucas claimed the manager had “developed a nasty attitude and mumbled a few words” before cursing at him. He also alleged that the manager’s behavior was racially motivated. The verbal altercation prompted Lucas to file a $1.5 million suit against the McDonald’s Corporation and the Pacoima store’s manager and general manager for (as reported by NBC News at the time) mental anguish, emotional distress, and discrimination. Despite being offered free food from the corporation to make things right, Lucas moved forward with his litigation.
Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Lucas had sued a major restaurant for an unsatisfactory experience. According to court documents obtained by NBC News, he had previously filed two separate suits against Jack-in-the-Box without receiving an award for his claims. Additionally, he filed suits against Denny’s and Walmart, which were ultimately dismissed. Due to his habitual use of the California legal system, Lucas became known as a “vexatious litigant.” To earn this dubious designation, one has to file a minimum of five non-small claims suits that have been settled against them or have been pending for at least 24 months without a hearing or trial. Additionally, an individual can be deemed a “vexatious litigant” by repeatedly filing or relitigating meritless cases. Despite online reports to the contrary, court documents confirm that Lucas’ case against McDonald’s was dismissed by the end of 2014. Unsurprisingly, little has been heard of him in the California legal system since.
Big Screen, Big Laughs, Big Thanks A Look Back at Our Holiday Movie Night
This past December, we tried something new for our holiday party, and it turned out to be a big hit. Instead of rides or gators, we filled the Enzian Theater for a private screening of “Elf” and invited clients, former clients, and friends of the firm to join us. From the moment people walked in, it felt like Christmas. Families grabbed seats, settled in with snacks, and got ready for the movie. Every guest received free popcorn and soda, and
Bears, also dropped by to say hello and add to the fun. Between the movie, the cookies, Santa, and Shades, there was a lot to be excited about. This was our first time turning the holiday party into a movie night at the Enzian, and we loved how it came together. Thank you to everyone who made it out and helped us end the year on such a fun note!
cookie-decorating stations were set up so all the kids (and a few grown-ups) could create their own festive treats before the show. Santa made a special appearance and took time for photos, high fives, and a few Christmas requests. Shades, the mascot from the Orlando Solar
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