Seattle-based lawyer William Marler says he plans to file 148 cases against Sheetz and Coronet Foods concerning allegedly Salmonella-infested tomatoes sold in 2004. Most are in Pennsylvania, but he says there are handfuls in West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia in Maryland.
A group of four Sheetz customers have already filed a lawsuit in Tucker Circuit Court and are set for trial in December. They are seeking a total of $70,000.
Two weeks ago, two cases were filed in Ohio Circuit Court against Sheetz and Coronet, Sheetz’ tomato supplier. Though one might question why 148 cases aren’t grouped into one class action claim, Marler explained that each individual’s settlement differs from others’ because the extent of damages incurred by each individual is different in a food-poisoning case.