Panera Bread Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Panera Bread Lawsuit Overview

Lawsuits against Panera Bread primarily involve food poisoning claims from customers who became ill after consuming contaminated food. The main allegations focus on E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce in Panera’s salads. These cases are part of a larger food safety issue that has resulted in multiple legal actions.

Latest Panera Bread Lawsuit Updates

July 18, 2018 – Two individuals have initiated legal actions against Panera Bread Company, claiming they contracted serious E. coli infections from consuming salads with contaminated romaine lettuce acquired at Panera locations in New Jersey.

June 28, 2018 – The CDC declared the end of the widespread E. coli outbreak linked to chopped romaine lettuce grown in Yuma, Arizona .

March 2018 – Robin Hall of Long Valley, New Jersey, purchased salads with romaine lettuce from Panera Bread in Mount Olive on March 22 and March 27 [1]. She became “violently ill” and was hospitalized from March 29 to April 8, where she was diagnosed with an unnamed disease attributed to the contaminated salad.

Related Article: E. coli Lawsuit Update

CDC Reports and Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the romaine lettuce E. coli outbreak resulted in over 200 infections across 36 states [2]. Nearly half of those affected required hospitalization. The outbreak was declared over as of June 28, 2018. The contaminated romaine lettuce was traced back to the Yuma, Arizona growing region. This nationwide outbreak caused significant public health concerns and resulted in multiple lawsuits against restaurants that served the affected produce, including Panera Bread.

Panera Bread Injuries & Side Effects

E. coli infections from contaminated food at Panera Bread can cause several serious health issues requiring medical treatment.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Diarrhea (ranging from mild and watery to severe and bloody)
• Abdominal Problems: Cramping, pain, or tenderness
• Digestive Distress: Nausea and vomiting
• Severe Complications: Kidney failure in extreme cases

Do You Qualify for a Panera Bread Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Panera Bread lawsuit if:

• You consumed food from Panera Bread
• You experienced symptoms of food poisoning such as E. coli infection
• Your illness required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to food consumed at Panera Bread

Evidence Required for a Panera Bread Lawsuit

To strengthen your case against Panera Bread, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your illness and treatment
• Proof of purchase from Panera Bread (receipts, credit card statements)
• Any samples of the contaminated food (if available)
• Documentation of lost wages or other expenses resulting from your illness

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of food poisoning from Panera Bread may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses related to treatment
• Lost wages due to time away from work
• Pain and suffering resulting from the illness
• Other related damages depending on the specifics of your case

Statute of Limitations for Panera Bread Lawsuits

Time limits for filing food poisoning lawsuits vary by state. Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 1-3 years from the date of injury or illness. Some states may allow for an extension if the illness was not immediately discovered. It is essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe applicable in your state.

Types of Panera Bread Lawsuits We Handle

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we represent clients in various lawsuits against Panera Bread, including:

• Food Poisoning Claims – Cases involving salmonella, E. coli, listeria, norovirus, or botulism infections.
• Employment-Related Claims – Wage disputes, workplace discrimination, and wrongful termination lawsuits.
• Slip & Fall Accidents – Injuries caused by hazardous conditions at Panera Bread locations.
• Consumer Privacy Violations – Unauthorized data collection or security breaches impacting customer information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of E. coli infection from contaminated food?

According to the Mayo Clinic [3], symptoms typically appear 3-4 days after ingestion and include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Severe cases may lead to kidney failure requiring immediate medical attention.

How do I know if my illness is linked to food I ate at Panera Bread?

Timing is crucial – symptoms of food poisoning typically appear within hours to days after consuming contaminated food. Medical testing can identify specific pathogens, and health departments may connect your case to known outbreaks at Panera locations.

What should I do if I suspect I have food poisoning from Panera Bread?

Seek medical attention immediately, preserve any remaining food samples, keep your receipt, and report your illness to your local health department. Then contact a qualified food poisoning attorney to discuss your legal options.

What should I do if I notice unsafe food safety practices at Panera Bread?

If you observe unsafe food handling at Panera Bread, report it to your local health department. Document your observations and consider consulting with a lawyer if you believe these practices are putting consumers at risk.

How do class action lawsuits work against Panera Bread?

Class action lawsuits allow multiple individuals with similar claims to join forces in a single lawsuit. This approach can streamline litigation, increase negotiation power, and improve the likelihood of obtaining compensation.

What can I do if Panera Bread violated my privacy?

If you believe Panera Bread misused your personal data, document the issue and consult with a lawyer specializing in consumer protection. You may be entitled to compensation for privacy violations.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit against Panera Bread?

Statutes of limitations vary by state. It is crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time frame.

Related Articles:

• Silvercrest Bread Maker Lawsuit
• Flour Recall Lawsuit

Why Choose Us for Your Panera Bread Case?

• Proven Experience: Our legal team specializes in restaurant litigation and has successfully handled foodborne illness cases across the country.
• Nationwide Representation: We accept cases from all 50 states.
• No Fees Unless You Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a settlement or verdict for you.
• Aggressive Advocacy: We hold corporations accountable and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action against Panera Bread for food poisoning cases. It’s essential to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Panera Bread lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.nj.com/morris/2018/07/2nd_woman_filed_lawsuit_alleging_contaminated_lett.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2018/o157h7-04-18/index.html
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/e-coli/symptoms-causes/syc-20372058