Chincoteague, VA – The first lawsuit stemming from a multi–state outbreak of Salmonella Javiana has been filed against Shrimp Heads Inc. in the Circuit Court of Accomack County. The complaint was filed on behalf of Pennsylvania resident, Charles Coffield, who is represented by Seattle foodborne illness law firm Marler Clark and Regan Zambri Long, PLLC, a local firm.
Coffield consumed on sampled and one bowl of chowder manufactured and sold on Saturday, September 30, 2017 by Shrimp Heads Inc. at the Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook off in Chincoteague, Virginia.
On October 1, 2017, Mr. Coffield began experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, severe chills, and lightheadedness. Unable to reach the hospital by himself, he required emergency transport to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital on October 3, 2017. At the hospital, the doctor took a stool sample from Mr. Coffield that tested positive for Salmonella Javiana.
The weeks following his hospital visit, Mr. Coffield continued to experience loose bowels, nausea, fatigue, and upset stomach forcing him to miss several days of work.
The outbreak began September 30th as illnesses started to be reported to the Arromack County Health Department after the popular Chincoteague Chili Chowder Cook Off. Over 180 people were affected by the outbreak across 8 states (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the most common intestinal infections in the United States – Salmonellosis. A Salmonella infection is characterized by diarrhea, which may be bloody, stomach cramps, and vomiting. In rare cases, a Salmonella infection can lead to reactive arthritis.
MARLER CLARK is the nation’s foremost law firm dedicated to working on behalf of victims of foodborne illness outbreaks. The Marler Clark Salmonella lawyers have recovered over $600 million for foodborne illness victims and their families. For more information or to speak with an attorney call 1-866-770-2032. If you are a member of the media, please contact Lauren Fricke at 1-206-346-1893 or email lfricke@marlerclark.com.
Regan Zambri & Long has been called D.C.’s top personal injury boutique by Washingtonian magazine. The firm’s seven attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients in cases of medical malpractice, wrongful death, birth injuries, defective products, food poisoning, consumer fraud, and other serious cases. The lawyers at RZL are committed to securing justice for those who have suffered a tragedy and protecting the community by enforcing safety rules. The firm often acts as a force for social good, compelling manufacturers and institutions to adopt safety measures or product redesigns that will save lives.