An outbreak of E. coli infections has cropped up in some western states in the U.S., and many believe that contaminated food served by McDonald’s is to blame. E. coli is a bacterial infection that is often linked to tainted food. Call an attorney to discuss potential legal action if you or someone you know became sick after consuming McDonald’s products.

Multiple people across several states have been confirmed to be sick from E. coli infections, and the likely suspect is contaminated onions or beef patties used to serve Quarter Pounder sandwiches. E. coli can be a very unpleasant infection, and some cases are deadly serious. A customer made sick by food served at McDonald’s might be able to sue the company for damages, depending on the situation. Possible damages include the cost of medical bills and potential medical complications if your condition worsens. We need evidence linking your illness to McDonald’s to prove these claims, and our legal team can help.

Get a free, confidential case evaluation by calling The Carrion Law Firm at (718) 841-0083 and talking to our personal injury attorneys.

McDonald’s and a Recent Outbreak of E. Coli Infections

According to a recent news story, at least 49 people across 10 different states have been made sick by E. coli infections, and at least one person has died. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a food safety warning regarding the Quarter Pounder sandwich served at McDonald’s. Many people reported eating the sandwich before becoming ill. Although no specific ingredient has been identified as the cause of the infection outbreak, it is suspected that McDonald’s slivered onions or beef patties used on Quarter Pounder sandwiches are to blame.

McDonald’s and its suppliers have not admitted fault or wrongdoing, but they have taken steps to minimize further infections. McDonald’s has removed the Quarter Pounder from menus at locations in multiple states, but the CEO insists that it is still safe to eat at McDonald’s. One of the restaurant chain’s suppliers, Taylor Farms Colorado, has removed yellow onions from the market out of caution.

If you or someone you know has fallen ill after eating at McDonald’s, you should go to a doctor for treatment. Next, contact our personal injury attorneys to discuss possible legal action against McDonald’s.

Can a Sick Customer Sue McDonald’s for E. Coli Poisoning?

People often think of physical wounds and bodily harm from accidents when they think of personal injury cases. However, personal injury claims may also include claims for illnesses. If you became ill after eating food at a restaurant like McDonald’s, you may file a personal injury claim against the business. Remember, lawsuits are often difficult, even under the best of circumstances. A lawsuit against McDonald’s may be particularly difficult, as it is a large corporation with a powerful legal department.

The presence of E. coli or any other form of food contamination is a clear sign of negligence. First, customers generally expect the food they buy to be safe for consumption. It would be very difficult for McDonald’s to argue that someone else is responsible. Second, food service businesses must abide by strict regulations and laws regarding food safety and preparation. The presence of something as serious as E. coli clearly indicates that a rule or regulation has been violated.

McDonald’s and its suppliers might be taking steps to fix the problem and prevent additional infections, but that does not mean they cannot be held accountable for their negligence.

Possible Damages in a Lawsuit Against McDonald’s for E. Coli Poisoning

Damages in a personal injury case often revolve around injuries the plaintiff sustained and the things they might have lost, usually money. In a case related to a foodborne illness, your damages will likely involve medical bills. E. coli infections can be painful and sometimes severe. The cost of treatment might be more than you can afford, especially if you do not have insurance. Even if you do have insurance, you may still want to sue for the cost of high deductibles.

E. coli infections tend to render people incapacitated for a while, and they may be unable to continue working. You might have lost substantial income depending on how long you were away from your job. Lost income from missing work should be included in your damages calculations.

In less typical cases, a person experiencing E. coli poisoning may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This can lead to very serious kidney problems and could cause permanent damage or even death. People may spend even more money on huge medical bills in such cases. They may also claim non-economic damages related to permanent injuries or reduced quality of life because of the infection.

How to Prove Legal Claims Against McDonald’s for E. Coli Poisoning

We must have evidence to prove your claims in court. First, get medical attention immediately to confirm that your illness is related to E. Coli poisoning. If we do not have medical records establishing a diagnosis, your case might quickly fall apart.

Next, we need evidence that links your illness to McDonald’s. When was the last time you ate food from McDonald’s? According to the CDC, E. coli symptoms often show up about three or four days after consuming tainted food. If you have proof that you ate food from McDonald’s at that time, such as a receipt, we may be able to connect your illness to McDonald’s.

If possible, we should have the food you consumed tested for E. coli. This is sometimes difficult, as most people finish the food they buy. However, if you happened to stick some leftovers in the fridge and still have them, we can have them tested.

Even if we cannot test the food you personally consumed, we might still test food products currently being served at the McDonald’s location where you bought the contaminated products. We might be able to get a court order compelling McDonald’s to provide samples for testing.

Third, we should keep up with any ongoing investigations. The CDC tracks data regarding reported infections and outbreaks. The investigation may yield important evidence that we and others can use to hold McDonald’s responsible.

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