Gomez Trial Attorneys and Ron Simon & Associates File Food Poisoning Lawsuits Across the State of California
Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, remains a significant public health concern in California, where the state’s vast agricultural industry and diverse food scene intersect with stringent safety regulations. Each year, thousands of residents suffer from illnesses caused by pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Hepatitis A, often traceable to contaminated products or negligent food handling. In response, specialized law firms have emerged as key players in holding corporations and establishments accountable. Together the Gomez Trial Attorneys (a preeminent California law firm) and Ron Simon & Associates (the national food poisoning law firm) stand out for their aggressive pursuit of justice in food poisoning lawsuits filed across California and the nation (MANY outbreaks involve multiple states and multiple jurisdictions). These firms have collectively secured millions in compensation for victims, highlighting the human cost of food safety failures and pushing for systemic improvements.
Gomez Trial Attorneys, founded by John Gomez in San Diego, is a powerhouse in personal injury law with a statewide reach. The firm handles a broad spectrum of cases, from car accidents to wrongful death, but has carved out a niche in food poisoning litigation. Operating on a contingency fee basis—meaning clients pay nothing unless compensation is recovered—Gomez Trial Attorneys emphasizes client-centric representation. Their San Diego headquarters allows them to serve communities in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties, where food-related outbreaks are common due to the region’s role as a hub for produce and dining. The firm’s approach combines courtroom prowess with investigative rigor, often collaborating with experts in epidemiology and food safety to build ironclad cases. Over the years, they have represented victims in high-profile outbreaks, including those linked to Foster Farms chicken (which affected 621 people across 29 states) and Costco’s Hepatitis A cases tied to contaminated berries.
Complementing Gomez’s local expertise is the nation’s leading food poisoning law firm, Ron Simon & Associates, headquartered in Houston, Texas, but with a strong footprint in California through strategic partnerships. Led by Ron Simon, a veteran attorney with over 30 years in foodborne illness litigation, the firm has recovered more than $850 million for clients nationwide. Specializing exclusively in food poisoning cases, Ron Simon & Associates brings unmatched depth in handling complex, multi-jurisdictional outbreaks. They maintain dedicated claim centers for major incidents, offering free consultations and 24/7 support via toll-free lines. Simon himself is renowned for his advocacy, frequently appearing in media to educate the public on food safety risks. The firm’s success stems from its ability to trace contamination sources, often using genetic testing and supply chain analysis to link illnesses to specific products or venues.
What makes these firms particularly effective in California is their frequent collaboration, pooling resources to tackle large-scale cases. This partnership leverages Gomez’s California court-room experience and bar admissions with Ron Simon bringing years of experience litigating foodborne pathogen outbreaks. Together, they have filed numerous lawsuits in California courts, from San Diego to Sonoma County, demonstrating a united front against negligent food producers and restaurants. This synergy not only amplifies their impact but also streamlines the legal process for victims, who benefit from combined investigative teams and shared expertise.
One of the most notable joint efforts involves the 2025 Salmonella outbreak at Aladdin Mediterranean Café in San Diego. The incident began in late April 2025, when patrons who dined at the Clairemont location reported severe symptoms including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and dehydration. The San Diego County Public Health Department confirmed at least 14 cases, with five hospitalizations, linking the outbreak to food consumed on April 25 or 26. Inspections revealed the café had at least seven prior violations for improper food temperature control, a common vector for Salmonella proliferation.
On May 6, 2025, Ron Simon & Associates and Gomez Trial Attorneys filed the first Aladdin Salmonella lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court on behalf of Daniel Meza and Nubia Munguia. The plaintiffs had shared a lamb and chicken dish, along with other items, leading to confirmed Salmonella infections. Munguia required hospitalization, while both endured ongoing recovery. The suit alleged negligence in food handling and sought damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. As more victims came forward, the firms filed additional lawsuits, including a third on behalf of Charles McLaughlin and Paige Bensing, who fell ill after consuming hummus and shawarma wraps. Ron Simon emphasized the outbreak’s preventability, noting:
“Salmonella can be deadly, and restaurants must prioritize safety.”
The case underscored the firms’ rapid response, establishing a dedicated claim center to assist affected individuals. Since the filing of the first Aladdin lawsuit, Ron Simon now represents over 80 other victims in the outbreak!
Another landmark collaboration was the 2025 August Egg Company Salmonella outbreak. This multistate crisis originated from organic, cage-free brown eggs produced in Hilmar, California, infecting at least 79 people across seven states with Salmonella Enteritidis. Twenty-one victims were hospitalized, highlighting the pathogen’s severity. The FDA issued recalls for eggs with sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19, 2025, distributed to retailers like Safeway, Ralphs, and Walmart in California and beyond—potentially affecting over 20 million eggs.
Ron Simon & Associates and Gomez Trial Attorneys filed the inaugural lawsuit in Sonoma County on June 24, 2025, representing Carrie Fairchild. Fairchild purchased the eggs from a Safeway in California and suffered acute symptoms the next day: diarrhea, body aches, fever, vomiting, and dehydration, necessitating hospitalization. The suit accused August Egg of failing to ensure product safety, with Simon stating:
“This outbreak has already sickened many dozens… We are committed to getting justice.”
The case’s California nexus—production site and distribution—made it a focal point for state regulators, prompting broader scrutiny of egg farming practices.
Beyond these, the firms have tackled other significant California cases. In 2024, they sued Grimmway Farms in Kern County over an E. coli outbreak linked to carrots, alleging contamination from irrigation water. A decade earlier, in 2015, they filed a wrongful death suit in San Diego federal court against Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce for Salmonella-tainted cucumbers that killed 88-year-old Susanne Hedricks. This nationwide outbreak sickened hundreds, with California bearing a heavy burden due to local distribution.
In yet another hogh-profile case, Gomez Trial Lawyers and Ron Simon brought suit against the San Diego County Fair after a child died from E. coli poisoning after visiting the petting zoo at the fair.
The firms also partnered in representing Marines in an outbreak of E. coli at the base in San Diego.
Food Poisoning Litigation: How is it Unique?
The legal process in these lawsuits typically begins with victim consultations, where firms like Gomez and Ron Simon gather medical records and purchase histories. They then file complaints in California superior or federal courts, invoking strict liability under state product liability laws—meaning plaintiffs need only prove the food caused harm, not intent. Discovery phases involve depositions and expert testimony, often leading to settlements to avoid trials. Compensation covers economic losses (medical costs, wages) and non-economic damages (pain, emotional distress). California’s statute of limitations for personal injury is two years, urging prompt action.
These lawsuits have broader implications. By securing verdicts and settlements, the firms deter negligence, as seen in enhanced FDA oversight post-outbreaks. Publicly, they raise awareness: Ron Simon’s media presence educates on symptoms and prevention, while Gomez’s community ties foster trust. Economically, California’s $50 billion agriculture sector and numerous restaurants have an incentive to prioritize safety and accountability.
However, challenges persist. Outbreaks underreporting—according to the CDC:
This also means many victims go uncompensated. Corporate defenses, like arguing contributory negligence, complicate matters. Yet, the firms’ track record inspires hope.
In conclusion, Gomez Trial Attorneys and the national food poisoning lawyers at Ron Simon & Associates exemplify excellence in California’s food poisoning litigation landscape. Their collaborations have delivered justice for hundreds, from San Diego diners to statewide egg consumers, while advocating for safer food systems. As outbreaks evolve with climate change and global supply chains, these firms remain vigilant guardians, ensuring that when safety fails, accountability prevails.
