Tuesday, May 22, 2001
Both suits are seeking in excess of $25,000. No hearing date has been set.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Some of the 66 people who say they got sick after eating at G's Golden Gate Restaurant two years ago are suing.
Perry J. and Anthony M. Carioti of Adrian Drive Southeast, Howland; Constance M. Dudley of Adrian Drive, Howland; and Elaine D. Raiger, Fairhill Drive, Howland, filed one lawsuit in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court.
Nellie S. Cozad of Topaz Trail, Cortland; John L. Johnson of Pegotty Drive, Howland; the estate of Cathleen A. Moreau, Beechwood Drive, Cortland; Timothy S. Papp of Castle Rock, Howland; Jacqueline E. and John T. Rohrer of Empire Street, Leetonia; Mary E., Gary R. and Ryan J. Williams of Hazelwood, Warren; Norma J. and Paul A. Williams of Woodland, Warren; Renee C. Williams, Olive, Warren; and Traci E. Williams of Glenwood Northeast, Warren, filed the other.
Both actions seek in excess of $25,000 and have been assigned to Judge W. Wyatt McKay. No hearing date has been set.
Restaurant's lawyer: Golden Gate owners could not be reached. Atty. Joseph Ohlin, who represents the restaurant, said that whatever caused the people to become ill could have come from sources other than restaurant.
He noted that some of the customers brought birthday cake with them to the restaurant that day.
The plaintiffs contend they became seriously ill after eating at the Parkman Road restaurant May 23, 1999.
The city health department said in July 1999 that contaminated lettuce most likely caused an outbreak of the Norwalk virus.
At the time, health department officials said the virus was spread through poor personal hygiene of employees. Restaurant officials said in 1999 that the restaurant is safe and that proper health guidelines are followed.
Ohlin also stressed that there is no proof that the virus was spread by employees.
The health department nevertheless suggested that employees wash their hands every hour.
Robert Pinti, city health commissioner, said there have been no complaints against the restaurant since that episode and all the inspections have been "good."