A minor child, represented by their legal guardian, has filed a lawsuit against a Florida-based restaurant chain following a severe case of food poisoning. The complaint was lodged by Adaobi Thompson on behalf of her child, A.T., in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, on February 12, 2025. The defendant named in the case is SGM South 34th, Inc., operating under the name Salem’s Fresh Eats.
The lawsuit arises from an incident that occurred on December 31, 2023, when A.T. and his mother visited Salem’s Fresh Eats located at 1701 34th Street South in St. Petersburg, Florida. They purchased buffalo wings and sweet tea from the establishment. According to the complaint, both A.T. and his mother began experiencing symptoms consistent with food poisoning the following day, including vomiting and diarrhea. As A.T.'s condition worsened, he was taken to John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital where tests confirmed infections with EPEC (E. Coli) and rotavirus.
The plaintiff alleges that as a result of consuming contaminated food from Salem's Fresh Eats, A.T. suffered severe health consequences including Hepatitis A and kidney failure with potential liver damage. The complaint asserts that these conditions have caused significant pain and suffering for A.T., along with permanent injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment.
The legal filing accuses SGM South 34th Inc., doing business as Salem’s Fresh Eats, of negligence and product liability. It claims that the restaurant failed to ensure its products were safe for consumption by not conducting proper inspections or maintaining cleanliness standards necessary to prevent contamination. "Defendant breached this duty by failing to maintain their product was in a safe condition for consumption," states the complaint.
Adaobi Thompson seeks damages exceeding $50,000 for her child's injuries and associated medical expenses. The lawsuit demands compensation for past and future medical costs as well as damages related to pain and suffering endured by A.T.
Representing the plaintiff is attorney Jeremy Clark from Clark Hartpence Law based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The case is identified under Case Number: 25-000671-CI and will be presided over within the jurisdiction of Pinellas County's judicial system.