Rachel's North Men's Club and Steakhouse in Casselberry is now at the center of a lawsuit after the widow of Najeev Nayee says staff loaded her husband into a taxi and sent him home in the middle of a medical emergency, according to court records. The complaint states Nayee lost consciousness and briefly stopped breathing while still inside the club. His family is seeking $15,000 to cover funeral and hospital costs, along with loss of support and other claimed damages.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
The complaint claims employees did not call 911, failed to provide basic first aid, and instead arranged for a cab to take Nayee away from the premises, according to ClickOrlando. Court filings reviewed by the outlet say Nayee had already stopped breathing when he was removed from the club and needed immediate emergency treatment. The suit accuses the business of negligent training and supervision and of not having reasonable safety protocols in place for patrons suffering medical distress.
Earlier Collapse and Damages Sought
Documents cited by WKRC Local 12 say Nayee had previously lost consciousness at a different Rachel’s location near Orlando International Airport, where staff called EMS, and he was taken to a hospital. The current complaint lists $15,000 in damages, citing loss of support and services, mental pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and funeral and hospital expenses.
How Negligence Claims Work in Florida
The case turns on negligence, described as the failure to meet a legal duty of care, a claim that typically requires proof of duty, breach, causation, and damages, according to Cornell's Legal Information Institute. Florida's modified comparative-fault law (Fla. Stat. 7768.81) may affect any financial recovery, since a plaintiff found more than 50% at fault can be blocked from collecting damages, per the Florida Senate.
What's Next in the Case
The complaint was filed Monday and entered into the civil court record, as ClickOrlando reports. Coverage from WKRC Local 12 notes that no statement from Rachel's management was included in the filings or initial reporting. Any official response from the club could emerge as the case moves forward.
