McDonald’s Faces Legal Action Over E. coli Outbreak

Customers in multiple states have suffered E. coli poisoning after eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder sandwiches and other food items. Now, McDonald’s faces legal action following voluminous reports of illness from customers who got sick.

An investigation by the CDC remains open, but it appears the source of the outbreak is slivered onions from Taylor Farms, a supplier of slivered onions to McDonald’s restaurants in multiple states.

Key statistics from the outbreak include:

• 90 people have gotten sick with E. coli O157:H7, a strain of the bacteria commonly associated with foodborne illness
• 27 people have been hospitalized
• 2 people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of E. coli infection that can damage the kidneys
• 1 person has died

If you ate a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder or other food products and experienced E. coli symptoms, Burg Simpson can help you explore your legal options. Our attorneys have extensive experience with contaminated food litigation and class action litigation. We are closely monitoring the E. coli outbreak and McDonald’s class action lawsuit so we can represent affected customers with the utmost effectiveness.

Call Burg Simpson at 888-895-2080 today for a FREE and confidential case evaluation. We represent clients nationwide.

What States Have McDonald’s E. coli Outbreaks?

E. coli infections associated with the slivered onions on McDonald’s Quarter Pounders and possibly other food items have been reported in 13 states:

• Colorado
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Mexico
• Oregon
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Colorado was the first state with reported cases of E. coli from the McDonald’s outbreak. It is also the state with the most people who became ill (29), followed by Montana (17), and Nebraska (12). Taylor Farms, the slivered onions supplier suspected of being the source of the E. coli outbreak, is located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

It is highly likely that the number of people infected with E. coli after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder or other food items is much higher than the 90 cases reported so far. Anybody who ate a Quarter Pounder at McDonald’s in these states should be aware of the E. coli outbreak.

What Happens When You Get E. coli?

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria. Some strains of E. coli can cause severe illness, including O157:H7. This is the strain detected among customers who ate at McDonald’s.

Symptoms of E. coli infection may include:

• Watery diarrhea (in mild cases)
• Bloody diarrhea (in extreme cases)
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low-grade fever

Most illnesses with E. coli are brief and do not involve serious symptoms. People who experience issues such as dehydration, a fever higher than 102℉, or intense abdominal pain should seek medical attention. In 5–15% of cases, people infected with E. coli O157:H7 may also experience a severe complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome.

What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) occurs when the toxins produced by a bacterial infection of the intestines (such as E. coli) enter the bloodstream. These toxins damage blood cells, which the kidneys struggle to filter out of the body. Acute kidney damage and even kidney failure may occur due to a buildup of waste products such as urea.

The early symptoms of HUS are similar to those of E. coli infection, such as bloody diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, and nausea and vomiting. As hemolytic uremic syndrome progresses, the symptoms may become more serious:

• Blood in the urine
• Decreased urine output
• Unusual bruising and bleeding
• High blood pressure
• Changes in pallor
• Rash on the skin that looks like tiny red pin pricks (petechiae)
• Extreme fatigue
• Loss of consciousness

Hospitalization is often required for individuals with hemolytic uremic syndrome. Patients with severe HUS may need to undergo dialysis or, in the event of kidney failure, get a kidney transplant.

What Are My Legal Options for the McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak?

The first McDonald’s class action lawsuit is in its very early stages. Burg Simpson is monitoring developments closely so we can provide legal counsel to affected customers.

Attorney Michael Burg was interviewed on KOA’s The Ross Kaminsky Show about the McDonald’s class action lawsuit. Listen to the full interview on the KOA website.

Victims of the E. coli outbreak may be able to bring legal claims against McDonald’s and Taylor Farms for selling the tainted ingredients. They may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Mass torts and class action lawsuits are complex. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney is critical for understanding what rights you have and potential avenues for obtaining compensation.

Learn How Burg Simpson Can Help

Burg Simpson is a nationally recognized mass tort and class action litigation firm. We have helped clients across the United States hold major corporations and institutions accountable for the harm they cause.

If you came down with food poisoning symptoms after eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, or other food items, between September 27 and October 16, 2024, you may be able to join the McDonald’s class action lawsuit or pursue a separate claim. Your initial consultation with Burg Simpson is FREE and 100% confidential.

Contact Burg Simpson today. Our class action lawyers serve clients nationwide.