LOS ANGELES—In a controversial legal move, McDonald’s Corporation has filed a cross-complaint against an unidentified homeless man who allegedly attacked a customer at one of its restaurants near the Los Angeles General Medical Center in early 2023. The fast-food giant seeks compensation from the assailant and any other responsible parties for damages it may be ordered to pay in relation to the incident.
The legal action, filed on June 28 in Los Angeles Superior Court, lists the defendants as “Roes,” indicating unnamed parties. McDonald’s asserts in the court documents that it bears no liability or negligence towards the plaintiff, Donald Wilson, and seeks indemnity for any potential monetary damages assessed against the company.
Donald Wilson initiated the underlying lawsuit on May 31, citing negligence and premises liability. His complaint claims that McDonald’s failed to provide a safe environment for its customers. On February 4, 2023, Wilson and his son visited the McDonald’s on Marengo Street to wait for his spouse, who was finishing her night shift as a shift supervisor at the nearby medical center.
While waiting to order coffee, Wilson was startled by loud screams from an “agitated, threatening, and disruptive” homeless man inside the restaurant. The man, described as wearing a sweatshirt and only a thin bed sheet below his waist, suddenly attacked Wilson, striking him forcefully in the jaw without warning.
The impact of the punch caused Wilson to fall backward, lose consciousness, and sustain injuries. Wilson’s son, who intervened to remove the assailant from the restaurant, was also injured during the altercation. According to the lawsuit, McDonald’s staff failed to assist Wilson or provide any immediate aid during the incident.
In response to Wilson’s lawsuit, McDonald’s claims it should not be held liable for the actions of the homeless man. Instead, the company argues that the true responsibility lies with the assailant and potentially other unidentified parties.
This legal battle underscores the ongoing challenges businesses face in balancing customer safety with broader social issues, such as homelessness. The case will continue to unfold as both parties present their arguments in court.
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