A nearly $300,000 Hepatitis A outbreak settlement has been reached after a Charlotte, North Carolina Hardee’s Restaurant exposed patrons to hepatitis A in June of this year.
About Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The virus is one of several types of hepatitis viruses that cause inflammation and affect your liver’s ability to function. Hepatitis A spreads through contaminated food, water or from close contact with an infected person or object. Signs of infection do not appear for several weeks. These include fatigue, sudden nausea, abdominal pain, clay-colored bowel movements, loss of appetiti, fever, dark urine, join pain and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
NC Hepatitis A Outbreak
Public Health announced June 6 that North Carolina Public Health officials and the CDC declared a hepatitis A outbreak in Charlotte, NC. The organizations estimated over 2,000 customers needed the vaccine. The CDC lists 20 known cases from this outbreak.
To avoid going to trial, Hardee’s has settled with customers to the sum of $246,00. Class members must submit a claim form to receive settlement money. A detailed notice of settlement and claim form will be sent by United States Postal Service to each class member. Additionally, members can obtain claim forms and other information at www.CharlotteHepA.com.If Injured by the Outbreak
Food poisoning lawsuits play an important role in keeping food systems safe. These lawsuits hold negligent corporations accountable. Plus, it shows lawmakers that food safety is imperative. When outbreaks caused by bacteria or viruses injure people, most of the time it is from a manufacturer being negligent. The company is fully aware of their potentially dangerous practices and do not correct it. Thus, customers’ lives are endangered.