Ron Simon & Associates and Meyers & Flowers have filed the first lawsuits in response to a recent E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants. The lawsuits were filed on behalf of two residents—one from Colorado and one from Nebraska—who allege they became severely ill after consuming McDonald’s Quarter Pounders in their respective locations. This outbreak has raised public health concerns, as numerous victims have already been identified across multiple states.
The Colorado resident purchased food from a McDonald’s restaurant on October 4, 2024. Shortly after, he began experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, stomach cramps, dehydration, and bloody stools—common indicators of E. coli infection. His condition rapidly worsened, necessitating emergency medical care, which led to a positive E. coli diagnosis confirmed through stool culture. Health authorities have since connected his illness to food consumed at McDonald’s.
The Nebraska resident fell ill several days after purchasing food from a McDonald’s restaurant on September 18, 2024. Her symptoms progressed, ultimately requiring a series of emergency tests, including blood work, abdominal and pelvic CT scans, and stool studies. The individual was diagnosed with E. coli O157, the strain commonly associated with severe foodborne illness.
The legal teams are actively investigating additional reports of illness from consumers across multiple states who ate similar products. This legal action seeks not only compensation for the affected individuals but also to drive critical improvements in food safety practices.
About the E. Coli Outbreak
According to the CDC, the outbreak has led to 90 cases of illness, 27 hospitalizations, and 1 fatalities. Slivered onions served on Quarter Pounders and other menu items from McDonald’s are the likely source of this outbreak. The outbreak has affected 13 states so far, with Colorado reporting the highest number of cases, followed by Montana and Nebraska.
The slivered onions were distributed by Taylor Farms, a California-based producer with distribution facilities across the country. On October 22, 2024, Taylor Farms initiated a voluntary recall of some onions sent to food service customers.
McDonald’s stores in CO, KS, and WY, and portions of IA, ID, MO, MT, NE, NM, NV, OK, and UT have temporarily stopped using slivered onions.
Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in Chicago
Meyers & Flowers has a long history of pursuing justice for victims of large companies and holding those companies accountable for their negligent actions. If you or loved one have developed a E. Coli infection following the consumption of McDonalds and would like to consult with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, please call 630-576-9696 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.