Written by: Sam Orlando

A "Bunched Up" Rug's Revenge

ROANOKE, VIRGINIA - In a tale that reads more like a cautionary fable about the perils of unruly floor mats, Regina Norman is taking a stand—or rather, a fall—against Smokey Bones Bar and Fire Grill to the tune of $2.5 million. Moved from the Circuit Court for the City of Roanoke to the grander stage of the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, this lawsuit isn't just about a "bunched up" rug; it's a story of how a simple restaurant trip can lead to a legal leap.

"Serious and Likely Permanent Injuries"

On that fateful day in February 2022, Norman, presumably just looking for a good meal, found herself in an unexpected tangle with the floor decor, leading to "serious and likely permanent injuries." The lawsuit against Barbeque Integrated, Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, alleges negligence for allowing such a dastardly rug to lie in wait for unsuspecting patrons.

$2.5 Million Reasons to Do Better?

The meat of the matter isn't just the fall, but the fallout: $2.5 million in compensatory damages. At this rate, one might wonder if the rug was woven from gold thread or if Norman stumbled upon the lost treasures of El Dorado beneath its folds. Critics argue such hefty lawsuits inflate prices for everyone, suggesting a future where a side of legal fees comes standard with your BBQ ribs.

Yet, amidst the chuckles and eye-rolls, there's a serious undercurrent to Norman's narrative. It's a modern-day David vs. Goliath, if David tripped over a rug and asked for a small fortune. It's about holding businesses accountable for ensuring the safety of their environments—albeit in a manner that makes one ponder the value of a stumble.

Accountability?

This case, with its eye-watering sum and floor-based drama, challenges us to consider where the line is drawn between genuine accountability and opportunistic windfalls. As it unfolds, it will undoubtedly serve as a benchmark for the cost of negligence, or perhaps, the price of not picking up your feet.

In the end, whether Norman's claim is seen as a necessary pursuit of justice or a cautionary tale of litigation gone wild, one thing is clear: next time you're navigating the perilous terrain of a restaurant floor, tread carefully—there might just be a million-dollar rug waiting to catch you off guard.