Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, Chtd. is currently investigating potential claims from victims who became sick after dining at the Hereford House restaurant in Leawood, Kansas.
The Hereford House, located at 5001 Town Center Drive in Leawood’s Town Center Plaza, came under fire in late April after authorities announced the arrest of 21-year-old Kansas City man Jace Christian Hanson. Hanson, who formerly worked at the Hereford House, was charged with a felony count of unlawfully adulterating or contaminating food at the restaurant.
According to a press release from the Johnson County District Attorney’s Office, Hanson is believed to have intentionally contaminated food at the restaurant between March 26, and April 25, 2024. Prosecutors have stated that there is “no ongoing risk to patrons for infectious diseases,” and are asking any diners who became sick after eating at the restaurant during the specified dates to come forward.
While the Hereford House has multiple locations in Independence, Kansas City, Shawnee, and Leawood, only the Leawood location, where prosecutors say Hanson worked for less than a month, is believed to be affected. And while authorities have not publicly stated how the food was allegedly contaminated, an affidavit states that the FBI initially received a tip alerting them to an online video showing Hanson contaminating the food he prepared with bodily substances.
Diners Step Forward
Law enforcement investigations are ongoing, but over 300 people have already stepped forward to speak with the District Attorney’s Office and Leawood police about their experiences dining at the Hereford House.
At least one lawsuit has also been filed against the Hereford House by a Clay County man who claims that he became sick after eating at the restaurant on April 3, 2024. According to court documents, the suit alleges that the man suffered body aches, fever, and vomiting, which are common symptoms of food poisoning.
Food Poisoning Lawsuits & Your Rights
The recently filed lawsuit may be one of many to be filed in the coming weeks as investigations into food contamination at the Hereford House unfold.
As civil claims, these lawsuits are being filed against the Hereford House, which is ultimately responsible for the conduct of its employees and the safety of the food it serves to patrons. Commonly, cases involving food poisoning at restaurants raise allegations that restaurant owners were negligent in the hiring, training, retention, and supervision of employees, as well as in the maintenance of their kitchens.
You may have a potential claim if:
- You dined at the Hereford House in Leawood, KS between March 26, and April 25, 2024.
- You became sick after eating food and/or experienced symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain or cramps.
Food poisoning can range from mild to severe, and pose risks of complications that warrant medical attention, such as high fevers, extended bouts of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases, severe infections spread by food may require hospitalization for life-threatening health problems, including meningitis, kidney damages, arthritis, and brain and nerve damage. Because even mild food-borne illnesses can cause problems during pregnancy, food poisoning is particularly concerning for pregnant women.
Discuss Your Legal Rights & Options During a FREE Consultation
If you or someone you love became sick after eating at the Hereford House in Leawood, our award-winning attorneys at Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman, Chtd. want to help.
As a firm that’s proudly fought for injured victims and families across the Midwest since 1949, we are actively investigating potential claims involving the Hereford House’s Leawood location and speaking with victims about their rights and options for filing food poisoning lawsuits. Our firm has decades of experience litigating claims involving personal injury, negligent employee supervision, and various infections and outbreaks, and has the insight to help you take the next steps.
To request a FREE and confidential consultation, call (816) 542-5999 or contact us online.