A Cook County couple is suing Rainforest Cafe, alleging their son had a severe allergic reaction after dining at its Chicago eatery.
George and Sarah Valaika, and their son Justin Valakia, a minor, filed a lawsuit July 22, in Cook County Circuit Court against Rainforest Café, and its affiliate Landry’s Inc., Ken Wade and Linda Loxterman, alleging negligence.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 21, 2013, Justin, suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction to the food he was served at Rainforest Café, 605 N. Clark St., in River North in Chicago, after the wait staff and restaurant general manager, Ken Wade assured the family that the food served to Justin, mini-burger patties, did not contain any of the ingredients he was allergic to.
Once served, the suit states, Justin began to eat, became very ill and was taken to the Lurie Children’s Hospital emergency department where he was assessed as being critically ill after three intramuscular epinephrine injections.
George and Sarah Valakia seek damages in excess of the jurisdictional limit of $50,000 and legal costs. They are represented by attorneys John M. Spesia and Michael Ayres, of Spesia and Ayers in Joliet.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 2015L007436.