Woman says Foster Farms chicken was contaminated, made her ill. Defense verdict. Los Angeles County.

Gross Verdict or Award: Defense verdict.
Trial or Arbitration Time: 13 days
Jury Deliberation Time: 6 hours

Summary

Woman says she consumed contaminated chicken processed by Foster Farms, her preferred brand of chicken, which caused Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Attorney for the Plaintiff:
Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP by Browne Greene, Santa Monica.

Balaban and Spielberger LLP by Daniel Balaban, Los Angeles.
Attorney for the Defendant:
Archer Norris by Sharon C. Collier and Kenneth C. Ward, Walnut Creek.

Facts and Background:
Plaintiff claimed that she became ill after eating chicken produced by Defendant Foster Farms.
Plaintiff's Contentions:
Plaintiff Ruth Rivera claimed that she developed Guillain-Barre syndrome as a result of consuming Foster Poultry Farms chicken allegedly contaminated with Campylobacter Jejuni bacteria. She pled causes of action for strict liability product manufacturing defect, breach of implied warranty, and negligence. Plaintiff Leo Lopez brought a loss of consortium claim. Plaintiffs also asserted a claim for punitive damages.
Defendant's Contentions:
Defendant denied that plaintiff's illness came from Foster Poultry Farms chicken and that she could have picked up campylobacter from another brand of chicken or other food source. Defendant contended that it exceeded USDA processing standards and that the chicken it sold was safe and wholesome.

Physical Injuries claimed by Plaintiff:
Guillain-Barre syndrome; loss of sensation in her limbs resulted in hospitalization and left her unable to care for her special needs child.
Plaintiff Ruth Rivera claimed approximately $7.5 million in economic damages and requested $50 million in non-economic damages.