Wendy's faces lawsuit over alleged bacterial contamination in Chicago

A 68-year-old Chicago woman, Roxie Ellis Douglas, has filed a federal lawsuit against the fast-food chain Wendy's, alleging that a double cheeseburger ordered via DoorDash was contaminated with Campylobacter bacteria.

Following the meal on August 5, Douglas experienced severe gastrointestinal issues, including acute infectious colitis, leukocytosis, and dangerous potassium deficiency due to dehydration. The infection required two hospitalizations, resulting in medical expenses totaling approximately $93,578.

The lawsuit claims the food was “not fit for human consumption” and was in a “defective condition” when it left the restaurant's control. Wendy's has argued that the case should be heard in federal court, citing the high compensation amount and the multi-state implications of the litigation.