05/12/09: Dancer Paralyzed by E. coli Sues Cargill

“I have handled foodborne illness cases since the Jack in the Box outbreak nearly seventeen years ago, and I have never seen someone so severely injured survive,” said Stephanie’s attorney, Bill Marler. “She has lost the ability to walk, to dance, to have a family, to work or care for herself.”

“I don’t think it’s possible to adequately convey in a sentence or two the massive challenges Stephanie has faced and continues to face,” added Marler.

Stephanie became ill after consuming a hamburger that contained E. coli at dinner with her family. What she initially thought was simply a stomach bug, progressed quickly and ultimately caused constant seizures and kidney failure.

The seizures became so severe that doctors put Stephanie into a medically-induced coma, where she remained for three months, on a ventilator and dialysis.

Nine months in the hospital and two years of rehabilitation later, Stephanie remains in a wheelchair and requires constant care.

The hamburger tied to Stephanie’s illness was eventually linked to food giant Cargill, Inc.

Counsel for Cargill and Stephanie attempted mediation but were unable to agree on a settlement.

Mark Klein, a spokesman for Cargill said in a statement to the St. Paul Pioneer Press, “Cargill deeply regrets Ms. Smith’s continuing suffering due to her illness. Each time Ms. Smith’s family has asked for financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket and rehabilitation costs, Cargill has advanced funds to help her and her family. We will continue to provide assistance to maximize her recovery and will continue to work with her counsel to reach a fair resolution.”