News

Norovirus-related lawsuit filed against The Habit Burger

istock

June 14, 2021

Seattle resident Ed Yusen has filed suit against Seattle Char, a franchisee of The Habit Burger Grill, in connection with a recent Seattle Norovirus outbreak, according to a news release.

Yusen alleged in the suit — filed in the Superior Court of the State of Washington in King County — that he suffered from abdominal pains and vomiting after eating lunch on May 25 at the restaurant at 1253 N. 205th St., in Shoreline, Washington.

He said his "norovirus-like symptoms" continually increased in severity to the point that he lost consciousness and hit his head on the bathroom counter. He awoke in a pool of blood and a gash in his head and immediately went to the emergency room at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington.

Yusen stayed there for nearly six hours and left with seven staples in his head. He later learned that his dining companion suffered similar norovirus-like symptoms.

As of June 3, 2021, Seattle and King County health officials were investigating an outbreak of norovirus-like illnesses with vomiting, diarrhea, body aches and chills. Although 23 people from six unrelated meal parties dining at the Habit location between May 21 and 24 reported similar incidents,Seattle and King County health officials said the source of the outbreak was not immediately obvious and that the virus could spread through contaminated food items, surfaces or between people. Outbreak investigators visited the restaurant on May 26 and reported no obvious risk factors, and the most recent food safety inspection rated the location "excellent," the article said.

Officials also said the restaurant has thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the premises and that they returned to the store on May 28 to give employees a refresher course on the best ways to minimize risks. They will return in about a week to ensure employees were following proper procedures.

As of press time, The Habit Grill had not responded to a request for comment.

Owned by YUM Brands, The Habit has over 300 locations.