An 11-year-old girl faced a near-death experience after contracting a life-threatening E. coli infection from a meal consumed at a reportedly unsanitary Wendy’s restaurant in Michigan. Aspen Lamfers, after enjoying a meal consisting of a hamburger, chicken nuggets, and fries at a Wendy’s outlet in Jenison following her softball practice on August 1, 2022, fell severely ill merely three days later. She was subsequently diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a condition linked to E. coli infection and known to have fatal consequences.
The young girl endured brain, kidney, and pancreas damage, requiring hospitalization for over four weeks due to seizures and paralysis on her left side. Additionally, she needed dialysis.
Recently, her family initiated legal action against Meritage Hospitality Group, the owner of the Wendy’s restaurant, on April 1. They are pursuing $20 million in damages, as investigations revealed significant violations of Michigan Food Law at the restaurant where Lamfers dined that summer.
A young girl of 11 years old narrowly escaped death after contracting a life-threatening illness from E. coli following a meal at an unsanitary Wendy’s restaurant in Michigan.
Aspen Lamfers endured brain, kidney, and pancreas damage, necessitating hospitalization for over four weeks. She also suffered from seizures and paralysis on her left side.
On April 1, Lamfers’ family initiated a lawsuit against Meritage Hospitality Group, the parent company of Wendy’s, seeking $20 million in damages. The legal action stems from the discovery of significant violations of Michigan Food Law at the restaurant where Lamfers consumed her meal during that summer.
Three days after dining at Wendy’s, Lamfers began experiencing symptoms typical of an E. coli infection, such as nausea, diarrhea, and fever. She was admitted to the hospital on August 7, 2022, and transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Corewell Health’s Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.
Subsequently, Lamfers required dialysis treatment due to stage 3 kidney failure and suffered from pancreas damage, necessitating an insulin drip. She also endured brain damage, resulting in left-side paralysis, vision impairment, and hallucinations.
After two weeks, Lamfers’ condition began to improve, and she was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital on September 1, eventually returning home on September 9. She continued with various therapies, including physical, speech, occupational, and language therapy. The family filed a lawsuit against the restaurant company to recover medical expenses.
The legal filing asserts that Lamfers sustained permanent injuries and life-altering medical conditions due to the STEC infection. It estimates past medical bills at $500,000, anticipates $1.6 million in future medical expenses, and predicts a loss of around $5 million in future earning capacity.
According to the family’s lawyer, Thomas Worsfold, medical staff considered Lamfers’ survival nearly miraculous. He stated that while Lamfers’ parents are grateful for her current condition, they face ongoing challenges.
Meritage, the parent company of Wendy’s, declined to settle the case before litigation. They now have 28 days to respond to the lawsuit.
The Wendy’s location Lamfers visited had previously received two unfavorable health inspections during that same summer, revealing significant violations of Michigan Food Law. These violations included moldy and spoiled food, improper hand hygiene, food stored at unsafe temperatures, and unsanitary conditions.
The inspection conducted on July 27, 2022, identified 17 health and food code violations, including ineffective sanitizing solutions, undated produce, and dirty cutting boards. The report cited excessive violations and noted that employees lacked training in crucial food safety tasks.
Three days after dining at Wendy’s, Lamfers began experiencing symptoms typical of an E. coli infection, including nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
During that same summer, the Wendy’s restaurant Lamfers visited underwent two unfavorable health inspections, uncovering significant violations of Michigan Food Law.
“The restaurant failed to maintain adequate cleanliness for both staff and guests, prompting a temporary closure for staff re-training and addressing issues outlined in the report. Subsequently, it reopened on August 1, 2022, serving customers, including Lamfers. Around the same time, University of Michigan Health West Hospital allegedly noted a surge in E. coli-related hospitalizations.
The lawsuit filed by the Lamfers family alleges the hospital identified a connection between the infections and the Wendy’s restaurant.
During the subsequent health inspection, the store incurred 12 additional violations, such as improper handwashing, failure to change gloves after contamination, and storing raw beef at potentially unsafe temperatures.
“Despite warnings, the establishment continued business as usual, leading to Aspen’s illness,” attorney Worsfold stated.
“My heart goes out to Aspen and her parents. This permanent brain damage is a devastating loss of potential.”
The Wendy’s outlet in Jenison has since made significant improvements, with its latest review revealing only two violations, both promptly addressed on-site.
Meritage faces five lawsuits in Michigan related to E. coli illnesses in the summer of 2022, allegedly linked to lettuce.
A company spokesperson stated, “We prioritize the health and safety of our customers and refute any allegations of negligence in our food safety practices. As the litigation is ongoing, we cannot provide further comment.”
