A former food service worker is seeking damages after suffering injuries she alleges were caused by hazardous conditions in a university cafeteria kitchen. The lawsuit was filed by Lakeisha Sudler on March 13, 2026, in the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County against Cheyney University and several unidentified companies referred to as ABC Companies 1-5.
According to the complaint, Sudler was employed as a prep cook by Compass Group U.S.A., which is not a party to this case. On or about January 21, 2025, while preparing meals in the Cheyney University cafeteria kitchen, Sudler claims she tripped and fell due to an elevated electrical outlet box protruding from the floor. The filing states that both Cheyney University and ABC Companies 1-5 were responsible for owning, operating, maintaining, managing, repairing, or inspecting the cafeteria kitchen at the time of the incident.
The complaint outlines that prior to January 21, 2025, the defendants “knew or should have known about the hazardous conditions then and there existing at the cafeteria kitchen,” specifically referencing “the elevated electrical outlet box sticking out of the floor.” Sudler alleges that despite this knowledge or reasonable expectation thereof, neither warnings nor safeguards were provided to protect business invitees such as herself from these hazards.
Sudler’s legal claim centers on allegations of negligence. She asserts that Cheyney University owed her a duty under Pennsylvania law to provide a reasonably safe environment free from unreasonable dangers. The complaint further specifies duties including discovering unsafe conditions through reasonable care; protecting individuals like Sudler from those dangers; making property safe; carrying out activities so as not to endanger visitors; exercising reasonable care for safety; and warning of dangerous conditions present at the property.
According to court documents, Sudler suffered “serious injuries” as a direct result of what she describes as carelessness and negligence by both Cheyney University and ABC Companies 1-5. These injuries include displacement of intervertebral discs in her lumbar spine at L4-5 and L5-S1 levels, lumbar radiculopathy (nerve pain), chronic physical pain, loss of life’s pleasures past and future, hospitalizations and ongoing medical expenses including equipment and rehabilitation needs. The filing also notes potential permanent impairment: “some or all of which may be permanent in nature.” Additional losses cited include mental anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, fear, restrictions on daily activities and loss of earning capacity.
The lawsuit accuses Cheyney University specifically of failing to ensure safety within its cafeteria kitchen by allowing an elevated electrical outlet box to remain exposed on the floor without proper inspection or removal. Other allegations include failure to warn invitees about hazards; hiring incompetent staff; inadequate supervision over inspections or repairs; and not following appropriate codes or procedures for visitor protection.
Similarly, ABC Companies 1-5 are accused of breaching their duties regarding management and maintenance of the cafeteria kitchen. The complaint states these companies failed in multiple areas: allowing unsafe conditions to persist; neglecting regular inspections; not removing hazards; failing to warn about risks; hiring unqualified personnel; and lacking oversight over repair work performed by employees or agents.
As relief from the court, Sudler demands judgment against all defendants jointly and severally for compensatory damages exceeding jurisdictional limits requiring submission to arbitration. She also seeks interest along with cost and delay damages pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure §238.
Attorneys Brian E. Fritz and Kevin M. Durkan of Fritz & Bianculli LLC represent Lakeisha Sudler in this matter. The case is filed under Docket No.: (not specified) with official filing recorded on March 18, 2026 by the Office of Judicial Support in Delaware County.
Source: CV2026002462_Lakeisha_Sudler_v_Cheyney_University_Complaint_Delaware_County_Pennsylvania.pdf
