Saying a fiery cocktail shattered and severely burned them, a couple sues Dallas bar
A couple stopped at a Dallas bar for drinks on a casual date night, which soon turned into a terrifying ordeal after they were severely burned by a flaming cocktail, according to a lawsuit.
Abigael Hance-Briscoe and Dustin Johnson filed suit against the Twisted Trick bar at 3917 Cedar Springs Road, saying they received first-, second-, and third-degree burns to various parts of their bodies above the waist, according to a lawsuit.
On Aug. 26, Johnson ordered a drink called the Flaming Pineapple, a spicy cocktail with Everclear, and was unaware that it came with a garnished lime that was on fire.
According to the lawsuit, the bartender added more Everclear to the drink and lit it with a torch, which ignited the cocktail and caused the glass to shatter, spreading flames toward the couple.
They were transported to the Parkland Hospital burn unit, the lawsuit stated.
The bar closed after the incident.
The couple has requested a jury trial and is seeking compensation and monetary relief of over $1 million, the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit has been filed on the grounds of failure to train employees on the danger of flaming drinks, and negligence.
Star-Telegram media partner WFAA reported that although Johnson’s long beard saved much of his skin and upper body, he was hospitalized for several days. Hance-Briscoe had severe burns, was in the ICU for a week, and remained hospitalized for six more weeks, WFAA reported.
The bar does not take any responsibility for injuries and refers to it as “pure accident,” court documents state.
Attorneys of Twisted Trick bar responded to the claims in court and denied all the allegations made, saying the couple failed to adequately state the facts of the incident, according to court documents.
A GoFundMe had been initiated with a goal to raise $20,000 for the couple’s pending medical bills.
“As Abbi continues to recover and heal, she requires ongoing care,” according to the GoFundMe post. “Abbi is receiving home health, which includes a healthcare provider, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapy.”
This story was originally published November 14, 2024 at 9:09 PM.