Two infected by salmonella sue Melrose Park restaurant

Two of nine people who ingested salmonella at a Melrose Park Mexican restaurant have sued the restaurant, alleging pain, suffering and expense of having eaten there.

Angelica Atunez Ramirez and Armando Ramirez, of Wood Dale, filed suit May 1 in Cook County Circuit Court against Carnitas Don Alfredo Inc., 2501 W. Lake St., Melrose Park; Hector Quintero, restaurant president; and Alejandra Hernandez, restaurant secretary.

According to the complaint, on May 3, 2013, the DuPage County Department of Public Health's Communicable Disease Control Unit reported a confirmed salmonella case, and in the subsequent investigation nine people in the region were found to have been sickened by the outbreak.

On May 7, 2013, the lawsuit states, the village inspector visited Carnitas Don Alfredo. A week later, it was closed down for screening. The investigation determined nine people were affected by specific salmonella patterns found at the restaurant, according to the suit.

Earlier on May 4, 2013, both defendants bought pork carnitas at the restaurant, the suit says. A day later, symptoms of salmonella arose, including abdominal pain, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea and nausea. On May 5, 2013, the Ramirezes went to Alexian Brothers Medical Center for treatment, according to the suit, and both experienced pain and discomfort for days after they were infected.

The plaintiffs cite counts of strict product liability, negligence and breach of warranty.

The Ramirezes seek unspecified damages, plus costs. They are represented by attorney Daniel R. Klosowski, of the Law Offices of James P. McHargue in Chicago.