McDonald’s E. Coli Lawsuits in North Carolina

E. Coli Contamination Claims Related to Quarter Pounder Cheeseburgers

If you or a loved one have suffered from an E. coli infection after consuming a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder cheeseburger in North Carolina, you may qualify for a McDonald's E. Coli lawsuit in North Carolina. Riddle & Brantley is investigating potential claims for those affected by the recent outbreak linked to contaminated slivered onions. We are dedicated to holding restaurant chains and their suppliers accountable for food safety violations and helping victims seek the compensation they deserve.

For a FREE case review, please call 1-800-525-7111. An experienced North Carolina attorney handling McDonald's E. coli claims will review your case and advise you on your legal options. If you decide to hire us, there are no upfront costs and we don't get paid unless you receive compensation.

IMPORTANT: McDonald's and the onion supplier, Taylor Farms, have strongly denied any liability and/or wrongdoing related to this matter.

Nationwide McDonald's E. Coli Outbreak

In October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began investigating a significant outbreak of E. coli linked to slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder cheeseburgers. The contamination source was traced back to Taylor Farms, a major supplier for McDonald’s locations across the United States. Reports of illness have been widespread, primarily affecting the Midwest and Western states, with at least one confirmed case in North Carolina.

Impact of the Outbreak

The outbreak has resulted in at least 34 hospitalizations and one death, according to the CDC. The affected individuals reported severe gastrointestinal symptoms after eating the contaminated Quarter Pounders. In response, McDonald’s temporarily removed the onions from its menu items, and Taylor Farms issued a recall of the potentially contaminated product.

While both McDonald’s and Taylor Farms have denied liability, the evidence linking these cases to the slivered onions is substantial. This outbreak highlights the critical importance of food safety, and our firm is committed to fighting for victims who have suffered due to potential negligence.

What is E. Coli?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. While many strains are harmless, certain strains, such as E. coli O157, can cause severe foodborne illness. This particular strain produces a potent toxin called the Shiga toxin, which can damage the lining of the intestines and lead to serious health complications.

Common Sources of E. Coli

E. coli infections typically occur when food or water is contaminated. Common sources include:

• Raw or undercooked beef, especially ground beef
• Contaminated raw vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, or onions
• Unpasteurized milk or juices
• Contaminated water or ice
• Cross-contamination during food preparation

In this outbreak, the contamination has been linked specifically to slivered onions supplied by Taylor Farms and used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder cheeseburgers.

Symptoms of E. Coli Infection

E. coli infections can vary in severity, but symptoms usually appear within 3-4 days of exposure, though they can develop as soon as 24 hours or as late as a week after consumption. Common symptoms include:

• Severe abdominal cramps
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild fever
• Fatigue

IMPORTANT: If you or a loved one have experienced any of these symptoms or believe you may be suffering from E. coli infection, seek medical attention immediately.

Severe Complications of E. Coli

While many E. coli infections resolve on their own, certain cases can lead to severe, life-threatening complications. The most serious complications include:

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A dangerous condition that can result in kidney failure, particularly affecting young children and older adults. Symptoms include decreased urine output, extreme fatigue, unexplained bruising, and facial swelling.
• Sepsis: A severe infection that can spread throughout the body, causing widespread inflammation and potentially leading to organ failure. Symptoms of sepsis include fever, rapid breathing, confusion, and a drop in blood pressure.
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare blood disorder that can occur after an E. coli infection, causing blood clots to form in small vessels throughout the body, leading to low platelet counts, bruising, and neurological symptoms like confusion or seizures.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: For some individuals, kidney damage from the initial E. coli infection can lead to long-term complications, including chronic kidney disease or high blood pressure.

Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from E. coli infections.

IMPORTANT: If you or a loved one have experienced any severe symptoms after consuming potentially contaminated food, seek immediate medical attention. Early intervention is crucial in preventing these life-threatening complications.

McDonald's and Taylor Farms Deny Liability

Both McDonald's and Taylor Farms have denied liability and/or wrongdoing associated with the outbreak, despite the CDC’s findings linking the E. coli cases to the slivered onions used in Quarter Pounder cheeseburgers. McDonald’s has stated that it acted promptly by removing the onions from its menu, and Taylor Farms has recalled the affected onions as a precaution.

Claimants must pursue legal action to seek compensation for their injuries. If you believe you have a case, please call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE, no-obligation case review with a North Carolina McDonald's E. coli lawyer at Riddle & Brantley.

Why File a McDonald's E. Coli Lawsuit?

Food safety is a serious responsibility for restaurant chains and their suppliers. If proper food handling, preparation, and sourcing protocols were not followed, victims of foodborne illnesses have the right to hold these companies accountable. Filing a lawsuit can help:

• Cover medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
• Compensate for lost wages due to missed work
• Provide compensation for pain and suffering
• Send a strong message to companies about the importance of food safety

At Riddle & Brantley, our legal team has extensive experience in product liability cases, and we are ready to fight for your rights if you qualify for a McDonald's E. coli claim in North Carolina.

How to Qualify for a McDonald's E. Coli Lawsuit

To qualify for a McDonald's E. coli lawsuit in North Carolina, you must meet certain criteria. While every case is unique, you may be eligible if:

• You consumed a Quarter Pounder cheeseburger from a McDonald’s location between September and October 2024.
• You experienced symptoms consistent with an E. coli infection within 3-7 days of consumption.
• You sought medical treatment and were diagnosed with E. coli infection or related complications, such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
• You have retained evidence, such as receipts, food containers, or wrappers from the purchase.

Important Steps to Take If You’ve Been Affected

If you suspect you’ve been affected by the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately. E. coli infections can escalate quickly, and early treatment is essential.
• Preserve evidence. Keep any receipts, food containers, or wrappers from your McDonald’s purchase. This documentation can be vital in proving your claim.
• Document your symptoms. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, medical visits, and any treatments received.
• Contact an experienced attorney. Our legal team can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected. For a FREE, no-obligation case review, call 1-800-525-7111 or complete the fast and easy form below.

How Riddle & Brantley Can Help

At Riddle & Brantley, we are committed to seeking justice for those affected by this serious outbreak. Our attorneys understand the complexities of foodborne illness cases and have the resources needed to hold major corporations accountable if liability can be proven. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Why Choose Riddle & Brantley?

• Extensive experience in product liability litigation
• Proven track record of securing significant settlements for clients (see disclaimer below)
• Personalized attention for every case we handle
• No upfront costs – we only get paid if we recover compensation for you

If you qualify for a North Carolina E. Coli lawsuit, our team will thoroughly investigate your claim, gather evidence, and work with experts to build a strong case on your behalf. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one have been affected by the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, don’t wait to take action. Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.