{"id":20861,"date":"2025-05-19T00:32:47","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T05:32:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/?p=20861"},"modified":"2025-05-19T00:32:47","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T05:32:47","slug":"texas-man-sues-whataburger-for-nearly-1-million-over-onions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/chicago\/2025\/05\/19\/texas-man-sues-whataburger-for-nearly-1-million-over-onions\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas Man Sues Whataburger for Nearly $1 Million Over Onions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Lawsuit<\/h2>\n

A Texas man is suing Whataburger alleging that when he requested no onions with his meal, he got them anyway, equating to negligence on the chain\u2019s part. A petition filed by Demery Ardell Wilson in Texas\u2019 269th Judicial District Court of Harris County on April 25 claimed that Whataburger \u201cfailed to act in accordance with the appropriate standard of care,\u201d causing Wilson to \u201csuffer personal injuries.\u201d <\/p>\n

Details of the Incident<\/h2>\n

The lawsuit states that on July 24, 2024, Wilson visited a Whataburger location where he ate a \u201cfast-food meal\u201d that caused an allergic reaction because of onions present in it after he requested that there be none. He says that as a result, he required medical attention. The filing doesn\u2019t mention what Wilson ordered, but the chain\u2019s eponymous burger offering, the Whataburger, features a beef patty with mustard, tomato, lettuce, pickles and diced onions on a bun.<\/p>\n

Allegations Against Whataburger<\/h2>\n

The chain\u2019s site has a page that lists possible allergens like wheat, soy, gluten and more \u2014 but not onion. \u201cThere was a manufacturing defect in the food at the time it left [Wilson\u2019s] possession,\u201d reads the filing, adding that what he ate was \u201cdefective because it was unsafe to eat\u201d and that \u201crendered it unreasonably dangerous.\u201d The filing claims Whataburger was negligent by providing Wilson a meal that included onions and that its inclusion rises to the level of a \u201cmanufacturing defect.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Whataburger meal in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 10, 2024. (Mikayla Whitmore \/ The Washington Post via Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Request for Compensation<\/h2>\n

The plaintiff is seeking \u201cmonetary relief over $250,000.00 but less than $1,000,000,\u201d which includes damages, penalties, costs, expenses, prejudgment interest and all other relief. \u201cPlaintiff expressly reserves the right to amend this damage calculation as discovery progresses,\u201d the suit reads. Representatives for Whataburger declined TODAY.com\u2019s request for comment. The filing, as well as an affidavit served to Whataburger obtained by NBC News, lists Husein Hadi of the Hadi Law Firm as lead attorney for the plaintiff.<\/p>\n

Background of the Plaintiff<\/h2>\n

The plaintiff\u2019s lawsuit against Whataburger isn\u2019t the first time he\u2019s litigated against a fast food restaurant. In May 2024, Hadi represented Wilson in a suit against Sonic Drive-In \u2014 but that was dismissed one month later. The specific Whataburger location is also not mentioned in the suit, but the chain primarily operates in Texas, where it currently has 764 restaurants. The burger business also has locations in 16 other states, like North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The lawsuit against Whataburger highlights the importance of food safety and allergen awareness in the fast food industry. As consumers, it is essential to inform restaurants of any food allergies or preferences to avoid such incidents. Whataburger\u2019s response to the lawsuit and the outcome of the case will be closely watched by the industry and consumers alike.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n