Starbucks Sued Over Injury in Bathroom

According to Newsday, a Canadian tourist and his wife are suing the Starbucks Coffee Co. for $1.5 million, saying a New York Starbucks and their toilet seat was responsible for the man becoming John Wayne Bobbit this past summer.

Edward G. Skwarek, 37, a Canadian government worker, and his wife, Sherrie, of Toronto, say Skwarek suffered "severe and permanent personal injuries" when he went to the restroom at the Starbucks at 684 Sixth Ave. in Chelsea on Aug. 20.

According to New York attorney Richard Robbins described what happened to Skwarek. "He was in a seated position," Robbins explained. "The toilet paper ... was on the bank of the bowl, on the tank. When he turned to get it, the seat, which was loosely affixed, shifted to the side, catching and crushing his penis between the seat and the bowl."

Robbins said his clients can't have children now. Skwarek is demanding $1 million for the "severe bruising," sexual function impairment, infertility, pain and emotional distress. His wife, "deprived of the services, society, companionship and consortium of her husband," wants $500,000 more, according to the lawsuit filed last Friday in State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

"It's a painful thing, and I can relate to his pain," Robbins said with a straight face. A spokesman for Starbucks, said he couldn't comment on pending litigation. He did say he was not aware of the Seattle company facing any lawsuit like this before.