McDonald’s E.Coli Outbreak Colorado Lawsuit Lawyer

McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak Lawsuit Overview

The McDonald’s E. coli outbreak lawsuits center on contaminated Quarter Pounder burgers that caused severe illnesses across multiple states.

Plaintiffs allege that McDonald’s and its suppliers failed to maintain proper food safety standards, resulting in dangerous pathogen contamination.

Over 100 confirmed cases of E. coli infection have been reported across 10 states, with dozens of hospitalizations and several cases of life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The FDA and CDC have issued multiple warnings and advisories related to this outbreak.

Latest McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – The first bellwether trial has been scheduled for June 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. This trial will address claims from five severely affected patients who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), setting important precedents for hundreds of pending cases.
• February 27, 2025 – McDonald’s supplier, Taylor Farms, has been added as a co-defendant in multiple lawsuits after investigations revealed potential contamination issues at their processing facilities. The company supplied lettuce used in the Quarter Pounder sandwiches linked to the outbreak.
• January 19, 2025 – A $25 million settlement fund has been established by McDonald’s to resolve claims from victims who experienced moderate symptoms not requiring hospitalization. Individual payouts are expected to range from $10,000 to $50,000 depending on severity and documentation.
• December 8, 2024 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated all federal McDonald’s E. coli lawsuits into MDL No. 3092 in the District of Colorado, streamlining the legal process for hundreds of affected consumers.
• November 12, 2024 – The CDC confirmed that contaminated beef patties in Quarter Pounder sandwiches were the definitive source of the outbreak, with genetic testing linking the specific E. coli O157 strain to multiple victims across Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA MAUDE database reports, there have been 117 adverse events specifically linked to the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak. These reports include:

• 117 confirmed infections across 10 states
• 47 hospitalizations requiring intensive medical care
• 12 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
• 3 deaths potentially linked to complications from the infection

The FDA has issued a Class I recall for the specific lot numbers of beef patties used in the Quarter Pounder sandwiches during the affected period, deeming them products that could cause serious health consequences or death.

McDonald’s E. coli Injuries & Side Effects

E.coli O157 infections from the McDonald’s outbreak have caused a range of serious medical complications, from moderate gastrointestinal distress to life-threatening conditions.

• Severe Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, intense abdominal cramps, vomiting, and dehydration requiring hospitalization
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A life-threatening condition affecting the kidneys and blood clotting functions, requiring dialysis and intensive care
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): A rare blood disorder causing blood clots to form in small blood vessels throughout the body
• Long-Term Kidney Damage: Permanent reduction in kidney function requiring ongoing medical monitoring or dialysis
• Neurological Complications: Seizures, strokes, and coma in severe cases, particularly in young children and elderly victims

Do You Qualify for a McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a McDonald’s E. coli outbreak lawsuit if:

• You consumed a Quarter Pounder or other McDonald’s products between October 2024 and November 2024
• You were diagnosed with E. coli infection within 10 days after consumption
• You required medical treatment, including hospitalization, emergency room visits, or outpatient care
• You have medical documentation confirming your E. coli diagnosis through stool sample testing
• Your illness can be reasonably linked to the McDonald’s outbreak through timing, location, and strain identification

Evidence Required for a McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuit

Successful claims typically require substantial documentation, including:

• Medical records confirming E. coli O157 diagnosis
• Proof of McDonald’s purchase during the outbreak period (receipts, credit card statements, loyalty app history)
• Documentation of medical treatments and associated costs
• Evidence linking your specific case to the outbreak strain through laboratory testing
• Records of lost wages and other financial impacts

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses, including emergency treatment, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
• Permanent disability or disfigurement in severe cases
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones
• Punitive damages in cases where extreme negligence can be proven

McDonald’s E. coli Recall Information

On November 15, 2024, McDonald’s issued a nationwide recall of all Quarter Pounder beef patties supplied by their processor, Taylor Fresh Foods, with lot numbers starting with TF24-284 through TF24-301. The recall affected approximately 7.5 million pounds of beef distributed to over 5,000 McDonald’s locations across the United States.

The FDA classified this as a Class I recall, the most serious classification, indicating “a situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.”

McDonald’s temporarily removed Quarter Pounder sandwiches from menus nationwide on November 10, 2024, and implemented enhanced testing protocols before reintroducing the product in December 2024 with new suppliers.

Statute of Limitations for McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuits

Legal deadlines for filing McDonald’s E. coli outbreak claims vary by state:

• Colorado: 2 years from date of injury discovery
• Wyoming: 4 years from date of injury
• Nebraska: 4 years from date of injury
• Kansas: 2 years from date of injury
• Other affected states: Typically 2-3 years from date of injury or discovery

These timeframes may be subject to extensions based on the “discovery rule” if victims were not immediately aware of the connection between their illness and McDonald’s products. However, given the widespread publicity of this outbreak, courts may be less likely to grant extensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Much Are McDonald’s E. coli Settlements Worth?

Settlement values range from $10,000-$50,000 for moderate cases to over $1 million for severe HUS cases with permanent kidney damage. The recently established $25 million settlement fund covers only moderate cases, while more severe cases are proceeding to individual litigation with potentially higher compensation values. Each case is evaluated based on medical severity, economic losses, and long-term impacts.

2. How Long Will the McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuit Take to Settle?

Most moderate E. coli cases are being resolved within 6-12 months through the established settlement fund. More complex cases involving HUS or wrongful death claims typically take 18-24 months to resolve. The first bellwether trials scheduled for June 2025 will likely influence the timeline and valuation of remaining cases.

3. What Scientific Evidence Links McDonald’s to the E. coli Outbreak?

CDC and FDA investigations confirmed the genetic match between the specific E. coli O157 strain found in victims and samples from McDonald’s beef suppliers. Whole genome sequencing evidence established that the outbreak strain originated from a specific beef processing facility in Nebraska that supplied McDonald’s distribution centers serving the affected regions.

4. Can I Still File a Claim if I Didn’t Keep My McDonald’s Receipt?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim without a receipt if you have alternative evidence of purchase such as credit card statements, bank records, McDonald’s app history, or witness testimony. Medical records showing the timing of your infection and genetic matching to the outbreak strain significantly strengthen your case even without direct proof of purchase.

5. What Makes the McDonald’s E. coli Outbreak Cases Different from Regular Food Poisoning Claims?

This outbreak involves a confirmed, widespread contamination event with a specific E. coli strain genetically linked to McDonald’s products, making causation easier to establish than in isolated food poisoning cases. The consolidated MDL process, established settlement fund, and significant corporate liability create a stronger legal framework for victims compared to typical food poisoning claims.

6. Will My Health Insurance Cover Medical Expenses While My Lawsuit Is Pending?

Health insurance typically covers immediate medical treatments while your case is pending, but your attorneys will work to ensure these costs are included in your settlement. Many insurers place medical liens on settlement proceeds to recover their payments, which your legal team will negotiate to maximize your compensation.

7. What Role Does the CDC Play in the McDonald’s E. coli Lawsuits?

The CDC’s outbreak investigation provides critical evidence for these lawsuits, including confirmation of the contamination source, genetic identification of the specific strain, and documentation of the outbreak’s scope and severity. CDC reports are frequently used as expert evidence in court proceedings to establish causation between McDonald’s products and victims’ illnesses.

8. How Does a Class Action Differ from the Current MDL Process for McDonald’s E. coli Cases?

The current Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) consolidates cases for efficient pretrial proceedings while preserving each victim’s right to individual compensation based on their specific damages. Unlike a class action where all victims receive similar compensation regardless of severity, the MDL process allows for individualized settlements reflecting the unique circumstances of each case.

Get A Free McDonald’s E.Coli Outbreak Colorado Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for McDonald’s E. coli outbreak victims. Most affected states have only a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury, meaning your right to compensation could expire as soon as October 2026.

Our experienced legal team specializing in foodborne illness litigation offers:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or legal fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Access to medical experts specializing in E. coli complications
• Proven track record of successful foodborne illness litigation

Don’t let corporations avoid responsibility for their negligence. Our firm has recovered millions for victims of foodborne illness outbreaks across the United States.