Dining at a hibachi restaurant is supposed to be fun, with fiery shows, flying shrimp, and culinary acrobatics that entertain while you eat. But for one Texas family, a dinner out turned into a scary emergency after a 16-year-old girl ended up with hot oil splashed directly into her eye. And when her concerned parent turned to Reddit for advice, the internet had a lot to say, from sympathy and support to some pretty harsh judgment.
The story came from a Reddit post titled “My 16yo daughter got hot oil splashed into her eye at a hibachi restaurant.” According to the post, the Texas teenager had been dining out with friends when the chef, in the middle of performing one of the restaurant’s signature tricks, accidentally splashed hot oil into her eye. It wasn’t a minor incident either. The oil caused a painful blister on her cornea. Fortunately, it didn’t hit the iris or the center of her eye, but the injury still required a trip to urgent care.
While the daughter did what many would consider the right thing, getting the manager’s information and seeking immediate medical attention, it was the parent’s reaction that seemed to raise a few eyebrows online. They posted about the incident while on the way to meet their daughter, asking Reddit for advice and updates, and shared that they had sent their insurance card via phone. That’s when the comment section exploded.
Texas Teen Suffers Burned Eyes After Hibachi Mishap
Many users were quick to offer helpful suggestions. One Redditor advised, “Besides seeing a specialist asap, contact a personal injury attorney.” Another echoed that sentiment, writing, “I’d request the restaurant to pay for the medical bills.” Which, let’s be honest, seems like a fair ask, a customer getting injured during a restaurant’s “entertainment” should at least warrant a conversation about covering the cost of treatment.
But other users were not so forgiving. Some accused the parent of focusing more on potential compensation than their daughter’s well-being. One commenter said bluntly, “The kind of person that cherishes getting possible money before their kid’s well-being.” Another piled on, adding, “How about making sure your daughter is okay and will heal well before you start strategizing how to make money off this?”
While that may seem harsh, it’s clear some commenters were reacting to the tone of the post, which they felt leaned a little too heavily into legal and insurance logistics and not enough into concern for the teen’s pain and recovery.
To be fair, the parent did mention being on the way to see their daughter and had already helped from afar by providing insurance details. But the fact that they were reaching out for legal and practical advice while the situation was still unfolding struck some people as impersonal or even opportunistic.
Should The Restaurant Cover The Medical Bills?
Still, it’s important to remember: when your child is hurt and you’re not physically there, your mind goes into overdrive. Between panic, guilt, and problem-solving mode, it’s not surprising that this parent tried to gather as much advice and support as they could, even mid-crisis.
This incident also shines a light on the risks of certain “entertainment dining” experiences. While hibachi chefs are pros at juggling knives and playing with fire, accidents can happen, and when they do, they can be serious. Food safety and customer well-being should always come first, and in this case, hopefully the restaurant steps up to take accountability.
In the meantime, we’re hoping for a full and speedy recovery for the Texas teen. As for her next dinner out? Maybe something with fewer flames and more safety goggles.
Hunter Spears 
Kenna Raye 
