US Mom To Sue McDonald's After Daughter Hospitalised With Acute Kidney Failure Following Quarter Pounder Meal

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A mother in Colorado is reportedly preparing to take legal action against McDonald's after her 15-year-old daughter was hospitalised with acute kidney failure, allegedly due to an E. coli infection contracted from the popular fast-food chain's Quarter Pounder burger. The teenager, Kamberlyn Bowler, remains in critical condition, and her mother, Brittany Randall, has expressed her determination to hold McDonald's accountable, alleging severe negligence in food safety practices.

A Meal Turns Into a Medical Nightmare

According to Business Insider, Kamberlyn began experiencing symptoms on October 8, shortly after consuming a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's. Her mother initially dismissed the symptoms as flu-like, assuming it would pass. Yet, as days wore on, Kamberlyn's symptoms worsened, with intense abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration leading to repeated visits to the doctor. It wasn't until ten days later, on October 18, that she was diagnosed with E. coli, a deadly bacterial infection linked to recent outbreaks across multiple states.

Doctors soon informed Randall that her daughter's E. coli infection had led to haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication affecting the kidneys. Kamberlyn was placed on 24-hour dialysis in the paediatric ICU as her body struggled to eliminate toxins from her blood. Randall is now faced with the harrowing reality that her daughter's kidneys may suffer long-term or even permanent damage, and she is resolute in her decision never to trust fast food again.

A National Outbreak with Devastating Consequences

The case of Kamberlyn Bowler is one of many as a nationwide E. coli outbreak has been traced to McDonald's, with dozens of cases reported and several hospitalisations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak, first identified on October 22, has affected 75 individuals across 13 states, leading to 22 hospitalisations and one reported death. The Food and Drug Administration has linked the infection to McDonald's Quarter Pounder, although investigations continue, with sliced onions also under scrutiny.

The mother's planned lawsuit is bolstered by other cases, including Eric Stelly, another Colorado resident who fell ill with similar symptoms after eating a McDonald's sandwich. Stelly experienced dehydration, severe cramps, and rectal bleeding leading him to file a $50,000 lawsuit against McDonald's, marking the first legal claim related to the current outbreak.

McDonald's Responds Amidst Rising Outrage

In response to the mounting public health crisis, McDonald's has taken drastic measures, pulling Quarter Pounders and sliced onions from its supply chain as a precautionary step. The company initially ceased sourcing onions from Taylor Farms, the suspected supplier, until further investigations are completed. However, the fast-food giant has yet to pinpoint the exact source of the contamination, raising concerns among consumers and health experts alike.

In a recent earnings call, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski addressed the situation, offering sympathies to those affected and assuring the public of the company's commitment to safety. "We are past this," Kempczinski told investors while promising that the company is dedicated to ensuring a safe dining experience moving forward, according to Fox Business. However, his statement failed to soothe critics who argue that McDonald's should have exercised stricter oversight to prevent such an outbreak.

The impact on McDonald's stock prices has been substantial. Following news of the outbreak, shares fell by 9% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, followed by another 5% dip on Wednesday, reaching an intraday low of $290.88, as reported by USA Today. Analysts warn that the economic repercussions may intensify if more lawsuits emerge, especially given McDonald's global presence and reputation.

Other Victims and Patterns of Negligence

For Randall, the devastation goes beyond financial losses. "This is about my daughter's life," she stated, her voice breaking as she described her daughter's ordeal. Kamberlyn's battle with kidney failure has heightened awareness of McDonald's food safety practices, revealing a troubling pattern of past negligence. In 2022, six children in Alabama reportedly fell ill with E. coli after eating Chicken McNuggets. In another incident, a 2018 outbreak linked to McDonald's salads left over 500 people with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that required the company to replace its salad supplier, according to CNN.

Ron Simon, a prominent food safety lawyer representing Bowler and Stelly, is no stranger to challenging major food corporations. His firm, known for handling food poisoning cases, has been vocal about holding McDonald's accountable for safety lapses. In a press release, Simon stated, "We will seek justice for all the victims impacted by this outbreak and demand action from McDonald's to ensure such a catastrophe does not happen again."

The Ongoing Investigation and Public Concerns

As the investigation continues, health officials are urging McDonald's to disclose the findings of their internal and external inspections transparently. Public trust in the chain's safety standards has wavered as parents and customers express outrage over the outbreak's impact, especially on young children and vulnerable individuals.

Dr Amanda Richards, a public health expert, commented on the risks of fast-food consumption during outbreaks. She noted that certain foods, especially those prepared in high volumes, can become breeding grounds for bacteria if stringent safety measures are not followed. She cautioned parents to avoid specific foods when outbreaks are confirmed, explaining, "Once an outbreak has occurred, even the best procedures cannot guarantee complete safety." Her advice aligns with concerns that fast food may involve heightened risks due to mass production and supply chain complexities.

McDonald's has opened more than 11,000 new restaurants globally between 2005 and 2024, going from 30,766 to 41,822. The U.S. has the most McDonald's in the world, with over 14,000 establishments nationwide. The runner-up, Japan, does not come close with about 3,000.

The McDonald's Outbreak Spreads Nationwide

The current McDonald 's-borne E. coli outbreak was reported by the FDA on October 22nd. E. coli causes infections in one's gut, urinary tract and other body parts. The consequences of said infections range from temporary diarrhoea to life-threatening ailments, including kidney failure. Symptoms can include fever, rectal bleeding, abdominal cramping, vomiting and feeling dizzy or dehydrated.

As of October 25, the outbreak has caused 75 cases in 13 states, with 22 hospitalisations, according to the Center for Disease and Control. Presently, the FDA believes McDonald's popular Quarter Pounds to be the source of the outbreak.

Victims Speak Out After McDonald's Fails To Abide By Hygiene Regulations

Kamberlyn Bowler

15-year-old Kamberlyn Bowler contracted E. coli from McDonald's and is now hospitalised with E. coli and acute kidney failure. Her mother, Brittany Randall, 39, reported that the Colorado teen had eaten Quarter Pounders 3 times in the weeks before the outbreak was announced. Her mother, Brittany Randall, 39, told the press that Bowler's initial symptoms were mistaken for the flu and appendicitis. This delayed necessary medical attention from October 8th until the 18th. Bowler spent a few days on 24-hour dialysis at the paediatric ICU to remove toxins from her blood and is now hospitalised and bed-bound. The family is currently unaware of the long-lasting effects Bowler's disease may have. Randall expressed that she is now wary of trusting fast food or restaurants and will not be eating at McDonald's ever again.

Eric Stelly

Fellow Colorado resident Eric Stelly fell ill two days after eating a sandwich at the popular fast-food chain. He reports having experienced nausea, stomach cramps, dehydration, and rectal bleeding for four days. After seeking medical attention, Stelly tested positive for E. coli, and health experts linked his infection to the outbreak soon after. On October 23rd, Stelly became the first to file a $50,000 lawsuit against McDonald's over the outbreak. Bowler and Stelly, along with 31 other victims of the outbreak, are represented by Ron Simon, whose firm is renowned for excelling at food poisoning cases. The customer who passed away has not been named, but they have been identified as a fellow Colorado resident. In a press release, Simon emphasised that he would ensure all victims were compensated for their losses and that McDonald's would be forced to take action against the health violations currently causing the outbreak.

What We Know So Far About the Outbreak's Origins

E. coli usually causes foodborne illnesses through the consumption of contaminated raw food. In response to the outbreak, McDonald's removed beef and onions from its supply chain. This week, it was confirmed that Quarter Pounder's beef was not the outbreak's source, but the FDA is still investigating the sliced onions. McDonald's has stopped sourcing from their usual onion supplier, Taylor Farms, indefinitely.

During an earnings call with investors last week, McDonald's chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski expressed the company's sincere sympathies and commitment to addressing the issue. Kempczinski expressed relief that the company is 'now past this' and voiced his confidence in the safety of dining at the fast food restaurant. Indeed, McDonald's plans to resume serving Quarter Pounders in the coming week.

Economic Consequences For McDonald's

Following the public announcement of the outbreak, McDonald's stocks declined by 9% after trading hours on Tuesday. They dropped another 5.1% on Wednesday when shares hit an intraday low of $290.88.

Other Incidents Like This: An Unsurprising Pattern Of Neglectful Business Practices

The E. coli outbreak marks the first severe public health McDonald's has faced in over 40 years, but it is far from an isolated incident. In 2022, six children in Ashland, Alabama, showed E. coli symptoms after consuming Chicken McNuggets from McDonald's Happy Meals. Back in 2018, 507 people contracted gastrointestinal illnesses, with 24 hospitalised with cyclosporiasis. The outbreak, which spread through 16 states from May 20th until July 21st, was linked to the consumption of McDonald's salads, according to the FDA's lab tests. At the time, McDonald's replaced its salad mix supplier. Ron Simon represented the first customers to file a lawsuit against McDonald's supplier, Fresh Express.