Wendy’s E. Coli Poisoning Lawsuits Being Filed Throughout Midwest As Outbreak Continues

Wendy’s restaurants face a growing number of food poisoning lawsuits after a multistate E. coli outbreak was traced back to the fast-food chain.

More than a dozen people have filed lawsuits against Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers of New York LLC, following reports of E. coli 0157 poisoning after eating at Wendy’s.

The outbreak has sickened at least 84 people in four Midwestern states, including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. At least 38 needed to be hospitalized. Three were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Many of the sick individuals report eating Wendy’s sandwiches containing romaine lettuce, and the CDC suspects this is the source of the outbreak, but has not yet confirmed this. Wendy’s officials have removed all romaine lettuce from sandwiches across the Midwest, though they said the restaurant does not use the same lettuce for their salads that is used in sandwiches.

One woman who filed a Wendy’s lawsuit in Pennsylvania reported eating a Baconator sandwich before experiencing severe abdominal pain, nausea, bloody diarrhea and symptoms of STEC poisoning. She sought medical treatment in Pittsburgh and was admitted to UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital due to the severity of her condition.

Other individuals who filed lawsuits against Wendy’s suffered kidney failure, hospitalization and other symptoms. Patients range in age from 8 years old to 82 years old. Some law firms estimate the number of individuals affected by the E.Coli outbreak may span more than 140 people. The number of people affected may continue to grow, with more people coming forward to report illness and file lawsuits.

The outbreak was first announced August 17, but illness onset dates range from July 26 to August 8.

Symptoms of E. Coli include cramps, diarrhea, high fever, dehydration, dizziness, and vomiting. Symptoms typically begin about three to four days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people who suffer from E. Coli food poisoning will recover within a week without needing medical treatment. However, in some cases, people may experience severe illness and require hospitalization and medical attention.

Health officials said it is not necessary for people to avoid eating at Wendy’s, since the company opted to remove sandwich romaine lettuce from restaurants. There is no indication romaine lettuce sold in grocery stores or served at other restaurants is a part of the outbreak. The investigation is ongoing to determine the source and scope of the outbreak.