The incident that transformed an evening of confectionery delights into a scene of horror at Navy Pier's Offshore Rooftop restaurant has led to multiple lawsuits, as reported by FOX32 Chicago and CBS News Chicago. According to complaints filed by the Cavanagh Sorich Law Group, the tragedy unfurled on Sept. 24 during a corporate event hosted by investment firm Nuveen, and the suits allege that a restaurant employee's act of pouring a combustible liquid, believed to be alcohol, onto an open flame caused a "fireball" that injured guests. Kira Bond, a 25-year-old victim, remains in critical condition as a result.
Timothy Cavanagh and Marc McCallister, attorneys for the plaintiffs, insisted that the incident was a clear result of negligence and an alarming disregard for safety protocols. "The video is horrifying to watch. One second, the plaintiffs are standing around enjoying a lovely work event at the rooftop restaurant, and then suddenly the flames shoot up, and they are on fire. The physical and emotional wounds from this will last a lifetime. The recovery will be very difficult," Cavanagh was quoted as saying in a statement obtained by FOX32 Chicago. Additionally, McCallister stated, "Guests have a right to expect that the defendants operate the facility in a safe manner," calling out the unnecessary use of a combustible accelerant.
As noted by CBS News Chicago, Kira Bond, who is currently undergoing a difficult recovery process marked by surgeries, including skin grafts, detailed her challenges from the past weeks. "Just the initial first week, I didn't know how long I was going to be there, how severe the burns were, I was going through excruciating pain every day — especially at daily dressing changes," Bond told CBS News Chicago. Lisa Segner, another victim, also sustained significant burns requiring treatment at Stroger Hospital’s burn unit. Others who suffered less severe physical injuries are nevertheless coping with emotional trauma from the event.
The lawsuits claim that the defendants, Offshore Rooftop’s management company, Maverick Hotels and Restaurants, LLC, and its general manager, Laurent Boisdron, were responsible for the event due to a lack of proper training or supervision for employees handling open flames, a point emphasized by the legal team. The plaintiffs, who include both individuals directly injured and a loss of consortium claim by Philip Segner for his wife’s injuries, are seeking damages for their physical and emotional suffering. The legal proceedings have progressed, with an initial hearing set for Dec. 17, as per information shared by CBS News Chicago.
During a press conference, the gravity of the aftermath was laid bare as the attorneys and victims laid out the prolonged impact of the incident, with the victims facing not only the immediate physical consequences but also long-term challenges both personally and professionally. The case continues to bring critical attention to safety standards and procedures at establishments where such potentially dangerous activities take place.
