Minn. woman who became severely ill with E. coli sues Cargill over tainted hamburger meat
By APFriday, December 4, 2009
Minn. woman sues Cargill over tainted hamburger
MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota woman who became severely ill from an E. coli infection after eating a tainted hamburger is suing a division of agribusiness giant Cargill Inc. for $100 million.
Stephanie Smith, of Cold Spring, became ill in 2007 after eating hamburger produced by Cargill Meat Solutions of Wichita, Kan. She developed kidney failure, suffered seizures and was in a medically induced coma for three months.
The 22-year-old former children’s dance instructor remains in a wheelchair.
Smith’s attorney, Bill Marler, said Friday settlement talks recently collapsed.
Cargill spokesman Mark Klein says the company deeply regrets Smith’s “continuing suffering due to her illness.” He says Cargill will work with her attorney to reach a fair resolution.
On the Net:
Bill Marler’s blog: www.marlerblog.com
