DALLAS — A lawsuit claims that two customers “suffered severe burns and trauma” when they were attacked by a Taco Bell manager with a bucket of scalding water.
According to one of the attorneys for the plaintiffs, Ben Crump, the two customers, identified as Brittany Davis and a minor only identified as “C.T.,” tried to resolve an issue with their $30 order that had twice been prepared incorrectly.
Crump in a news release announcing the lawsuit, which was filed on July 13, said the pair, both Black females, were “locked in a Dallas Taco Bell dining room by an employee.”
Crump went on to claim that after the situation escalated, the manager “came out from behind the counter with a scalding bucket of water and proceeded to pour it on C.T. and Davis.” He said the two escaped the restaurant before he could reach them with a second bucket.
The lawsuit claims the two customers suffered “deep and severe burns to large portions of their bodies" and that en route to a hospital, “Davis began to seize due to the trauma.”
The lawsuit names Taco Bell parent company Yum! Brands, Taco Bell Corp., Taco Bell of America, Taco Bell #22872, North Texas Bells and two employees as defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking more than $1 million in damages with a final amount to be determined by a jury.
NBC News obtained a statement from Taco Bell that says it takes the safety of customers and workers seriously and that it has been in contact with the franchise owner and operator. The company declined further comment citing pending litigation.