First lawsuit filed in California E. coli outbreak as attorneys warn more victims may come forward.
By Shane Harris, Director of Communications, Gomez Trial Attorneys
/PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — John Gomez, nationally recognized civil rights trial attorney, and Ron Simon, nationally recognized food poisoning attorney, stood in front of The Kebab Shop location in downtown San Diego on September 28 mayo to announce what they described as the first lawsuit stemming from the E. coli outbreak linked to the restaurant chain’s beef kofta product.
National civil rights trial attorney John Gomez addresses members of the media during a press conference on May 28, 2026 in front of The Kebab Shop in downtown San Diego to announce the first lawsuit filed in connection with the ongoing E. coli outbreak. Next to a photo of the young woman at the center of the lawsuit is nationally recognized food poisoning attorney Ron Simon, who joined Gomez in holding The Kebab Shop and its meat supplier accountable.
The attorneys addressed reporters and television news crews gathered in front of The Kebab Shop at 630 Ninth Avenue in downtown San Diego, where they discussed the devastating impact the outbreak has had on a young Orange County woman who allegedly suffered life-threatening complications after consuming contaminated meat linked to the outbreak.
While the girl’s family ultimately opted not to attend the press conference, a large photograph of the girl was displayed throughout the event, serving as a powerful reminder of the human cost behind growing public health research.
The lawsuit, filed by Ron Simon & Associates and Gomez Trial Attorneys, names both The Kebab Shop and meat supplier Olympia Food Industries. According to the complaint, the boy became seriously ill after consuming beef kofta at a kebab shop and later developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication associated with E. coli infections that can lead to kidney failure.
The girl was hospitalized for more than two weeks and underwent extensive medical treatment as doctors worked to save her life.
“The reason we are here today is because behind every statistic there is a real family,” Gómez told reporters. “This is a child whose life has been changed forever. Food companies have a responsibility to ensure the products they serve are safe.”
Simon, who has represented victims in some of the country’s largest foodborne illness outbreaks, said the lawsuit seeks answers about how contaminated meat entered the food supply chain and ultimately reached consumers.
“When food security systems fail, families pay the price,” Simon said. “The purpose of this lawsuit is to uncover exactly what happened and hold all responsible parties accountable.”
The lawsuit was filed as California health officials continued to investigate an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157 linked to beef kofta served at The Kebab Shop.
According to the California Department of Public Health, at least nine people became ill in the outbreak, including six children. Five people required hospitalization and two developed hemolytic uremic syndromes, a potentially fatal kidney complication associated with E. coli infections.
Public health investigators identified grilled beef kofta as the likely source of the outbreak. In response, The Kebab Shop voluntarily suspended sales of the product while the investigation continued.
Attorneys at the May 28 press conference emphasized that the outbreak extends beyond a single illness and may affect additional families across California.
Copies of the court-upheld lawsuit were distributed to members of the media after the event.
Were you affected?It is recommended to
Anyone who became ill after eating at The Kebab Shop to contact Gomez Trial Attorneys immediately at 833-GET-GOMEZ (833-438-4663). Attorneys are actively investigating additional claims related to the outbreak and are offering free consultations to affected individuals and families.
Watch the full press conference at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDTwF23QjpA
FUENTE Gomez Trial Attorneys