Chi-Chi’s may reopen, but let’s not forget the over 500 with Hepatitis A, 4 deaths and a liver transplant

According to a Chi-Chi’s press release:

For anyone who’s ever said, “I miss CHI-CHI’s,” this one’s for you. CHI-CHI’s^®, the legendary Mexican restaurant known for bold flavors and festive vibe is officially back with a refreshed design and crave worthy menu. Opening on October 6 at 1602 West End Blvd, CHI-CHI’s is ready to welcome the fans familiar and new to experience the brand’s revitalized energy.

Led by restaurant industry veteran Michael McDermott, son of CHI-CHI’s co-founder Marno McDermott, the brand’s relaunch hits a major milestone with the debut of its first location.

We’re bringing back the food, energy, and fun that people love, now with a fresh twist for a whole new generation.

In the 1990s, it had more than 200 locations in 19 states. However, following its parent company’s bankruptcy and a deadly Hepatitis A outbreak, all Chi-Chi’s locations had closed by 2004. Let’s not forget the over 500 sickened and 4 deaths. I can not forget my friends, Richard and Linda.

On October 13, 2003, Richard Miller and his wife Linda stopped by Chi-Chi’s restaurant in Monaca, Pennsylvania to grab lunch, and left with a Hepatitis A virus. Later in the month, both fell ill with body aches, loss of appetite and energy, and jaundice. But while Linda recovered within a few days, Richard’s case grew more severe. When he became incoherent and unable to stand, he was admitted to the hospital, sedated and eventually put on life support. Richard ultimately required a liver transplant, during which he suffered cardiac arrest. He pulled through the operation, only to begin a new life in which his former abilities were severely compromised and his life span may have been shortened.  

In his own words, Miller said, “I don’t have my life any more. I don’t like it. I’ll never have it back. I got this monkey on my back. I feel like I’m a burden to Linda.”

The food that changed Rich Miller’s life forever turned out to be green onions imported from Mexico that had been served raw in salsa at the restaurant, as well as in many other Chi-Chi’s dishes.

During its investigation into the outbreak, the Pennsylvania Department of Health identified 650 cases of Hepatitis A originating with the imported onions. Four victims eventually died from fulminant hepatitis brought on by hepatitis A infection.

Bill Marler called upon Chi-Chi’s to take responsibility for the outbreak and pay for victims’ lost wages.  Though Chi-Chi’s had filed for bankruptcy shortly before the outbreak, Marler was able to lift the protection that would have allowed the restaurant to avoid compensating victims.

Marler Clark successfully resolved 78 claims on behalf of victims of the Chi-Chi’s Hepatitis A outbreak, and obtained a $6.25 million dollar settlement for Richard and Linda Miller.

To read more about Richard Miller and his Hep A illness read the article written in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. 

Republished with permission from Bill Marler and Marler Clark. Copyright (c) Marler Clark LLP, PS. All rights reserved.