Couple sues McDonald’s over injuries from falling dispenser

The man says he suffered head, neck and eye injuries.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — A Cortland couple has a beef with McDonald’s, but it doesn’t concern any of the food served at the golden arches.

John Jaeger of Durst-Colebrook Road, and his wife, Sherre, have sued McDonald’s Corp. and a Boardman McDonald’s restaurant, alleging the man was severely injured when a toilet paper dispenser fell on him as he sat on a toilet at the local restaurant.

The Jaegers also named the unidentified manufacturer of the dispenser as a defendant in the suit, which was filed this week in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

Officials at McDonald’s Corp. in Oak Brook, Ill., could not be reached to comment. Herb Washington, owner of the local McDonald’s restaurants, declined to comment through a secretary.

The suit, filed by Atty. James R. Lanzo, seeks in excess of $25,000 in damages and demands a jury trial. The case is assigned to Judge James C. Evans.

The lawsuit says Jaeger suffered head, neck and eye injuries when the device fell on him June 1, 2006, due to negligent maintenance at the McDonald’s Restaurant at 1110 Boardman-Poland Road, where he was a customer.

The suit says Jaeger underwent extensive medical treatment and may need further treatment. It also said he has been unable to work and suffered lost wages, income and benefits because of his injuries.