Orange County Man Sues Heineken after Finding Dead Geckos Floating in Beer
A Fountain Valley man has filed a lawsuit against Heineken saying he found two dead leopard geckos floating in his beer can after he noticed a bad taste. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, George Toubbeh filed the lawsuit in Orange County Superior Court after he suffered stomach pain and vomited in August 2015. He said he had drunk from a 24-ounce Heineken he had purchased from a Ralphs supermarket in Fountain Valley.
Contaminated Beer Sickens Man
Toubbeh’s daughter had examined the beer can and found two leopard geckos inside. The lawsuit says the geckos had not been decomposed when they were discovered and were likely alive when the beer was poured and sealed into the cans. Toubbeh, now 49, became violently ill and went to the emergency room at a local hospital.
The lawsuit says he continued to suffer from severe gastrointestinal ailments, emotional distress, anxiety and trauma, and missed several weeks of work. Heineken has said that the accusations are false. The suit also names The Kroger Company, which owns Ralphs supermarkets.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Based on this news report, it appears that the beer was contaminated with dead and decomposing geckos when the victim drank it. In cases where it can be proven that a contaminated product caused the victim’s illness, the manufacturer can be held liable for the damages and losses caused. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, permanent injuries, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
If you or a loved one has suffered an illness as a result of a contaminated food product, there are a number of steps you can take to protect your legal rights. First, get the medical attention, treatment and care you need immediately. Ask your doctor to run diagnostic tests if necessary. It is also crucial that you save the food or drink that caused your illness. If there are foreign objects (or animal remains, as in this case) it is important that you preserve the item right away and have it examined for potential evidence.
File a report with your local healthcare agency. Contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you secure maximum compensation for your losses.