Chicago senior sues Wendy's over double cheeseburger that caused severe infection

Roxie Ellis Douglas, 68, alleges that a Wendy’s double cheeseburger she ordered online on Aug. 5, 2025, was contaminated with Campylobacter, causing a cascade of gastrointestinal illnesses that required two separate hospital stays. Delivered by DoorDash in a sealed, unopened bag, the meal appeared normal, but Douglas began suffering from acute infectious colitis, dehydration, gastroenteritis, leukocytosis, and dangerously low potassium levels the following day.

Medical bills documented in the lawsuit total $93,578.24, including ambulance transport, a three-day initial admission, a five-day readmission, and a later colonoscopy costing nearly $13,000. The complaint claims the food was unsafe when it left Wendy’s and that the company failed to implement proper inspection practices or provide consumer warnings. Douglas is pursuing $50,000 in damages in federal court after the case was moved from state court. Wendy’s has not responded to requests for comment.