An 84-year-old Florida man has filed a negligence lawsuit against Waffle House, alleging that a promotional window display and a poorly marked curb combined to create hazardous conditions that caused him to suffer serious injuries outside one of the restaurant chain’s locations.
Edward Bowlds says he was walking with his wife toward a Waffle House restaurant in Bartow on April 17, 2025, when promotional advertisements displayed in the front windows drew his attention.
He alleges that in the moments that followed, he stepped onto an elevated curb near the entrance that lacked contrasting paint or other markings, making the change in elevation difficult to recognize before he fell.
The lawsuit describes the curb as an unreasonable tripping hazard, claiming it was higher than expected and visually blended into the surrounding pavement.
It further alleges the restaurant’s window advertisements were positioned and sized in a way that naturally drew the attention of approaching customers, pulling focus away from the walkway.
Bowlds alleges the fall resulted in a fractured nose, a torn rotator cuff, and other lasting injuries.
A pre-suit demand letter states the injuries have left him largely confined to a recliner and unable to perform routine household tasks such as carrying groceries or assisting with yard work, according to The Blaze.
The complaint names Waffle House and franchise operator East Coast Waffles Inc. and asserts claims of premises liability and general negligence.
According to People, Bowlds maintains that the companies failed to maintain safe conditions, did not warn customers about the alleged hazard, and placed promotional displays in the direct line of sight of pedestrians approaching the entrance.
Court filings also contend the walkway from the parking lot to the entrance was not reasonably safe.
Bowlds argues the combination of the curb’s height and lack of warning paint, along with the visual distraction from the advertisements, created a foreseeable risk of trips and falls for customers entering the property.
In addition to physical injuries, Bowlds is seeking damages for pain and suffering, physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and medical expenses.
His wife, Dorothy Bowlds, is also listed as a plaintiff, alleging loss of companionship and financial burdens tied to her husband’s condition.
Before filing suit, Bowlds and his wife reportedly sought a $300,000 settlement, but no agreement was reached.
The lawsuit now seeks damages exceeding $50,000, along with interest, court costs, attorney’s fees, and a jury trial.
Waffle House and East Coast Waffles deny the allegations.
In court filings, the companies argue the property was well maintained in a reasonably safe condition and contend Bowlds failed to exercise reasonable care for his own safety.
They also assert the curb was open and obvious and dispute the extent and cause of the alleged medical damages.
If the case proceeds to trial, a jury will ultimately decide whether the restaurant bears legal responsibility for the incident or whether the fall resulted from conditions that were visible and avoidable under ordinary care.
