Victims of IHOP Salmonella outbreak detail injuries to Texas jury

The trial involving victims of a Salmonella outbreak linked to a Texas International House of Pancakes is ongoing in an Amarillo courtroom this week.

According to Amarillo Globe-News, several victims of the outbreak took the stand this week, telling a jury of their illness from the time they ate at a local IHOP restaurant in 2008 until today, when some victims are still suffering from the effects of the infection.

Victims shared similar stories and bouts of the same symptoms which resulted in several hospitalizations and some humiliating experiences. At least 125 people were infected with Salmonella poisoning during three separate outbreaks in 2008, all linked to the same IHOP restaurant.

Investigations revealed that a water bath in the kitchen of the restaurant used to keep pitchers of maple syrup warm was the culprit of the bacteria. As more customers used those syrup pitchers, more got sick. The restaurant was eventually closed following the third outbreak.

The case currently being heard includes 24 victims of the outbreak. Some victims have already settled injury claims with the restaurant in connection with the outbreak.

According to the report, during testimony this week, Jerry Montgomery said he still has very little appetite and has never fully regained his overall strength and stamina since contracting Salmonella poisoning at that IHOP before Father’s Day in 2008.

Montgomery was taken to  a local hospital after he fell in his home bathroom, a result of his Salmonella poisoning sapping him of any energy. While in the hospital, Montgomery said he was scared and “feeling rough” and had to turn away family visitors because he was embarrassed to wear adult diapers.

The Salmonella infection became so serious that Montgomery lost control of his bowel movements and hospital staff practically quarantined him to his room because they feared he was unusually contagious.

IHOP officials have said they’d take responsibility for the outbreak but have urged the jury in the case to be fair when considering financial awards to victims.