By Mel Westberg  | Partner |  Seattle Office

Five people, including four who were hospitalized, became ill after eating at Tokyo Stop Teriyaki in Bellevue, Washington. Seattle and King County Public Health departments are investigating a suspected E. coli outbreak. Investigators say the contamination likely came from food eaten at the restaurant, though the source may be outside the business.

Health officials also identified three additional people, one in King County and two out of state, who became sick with a similar strain of E. coli but did not eat at the restaurant, suggesting a possible shared supplier. Authorities note that DNA testing points to a likely common source, though it is not conclusive.

The restaurant was temporarily closed after inspectors found food safety violations but reopened after meeting health requirements. All affected customers have since recovered, and the investigation remains ongoing.

What Constitutes a "Product"?

The term “product” is an umbrella term that includes many types of goods and wares. Under Washington law, a product can be something that is used daily, such as consumable foods, clothing, shoes, or medicine. A product can also be part of a home or workspace, such as a computer, a television, or a printer. Vehicles used for daily transportation or recreation like boats, ATVs, or bicycles are also considered products.

In this case, the product in question was the food served and consumed by customers at the restaurant. The restaurant owed a duty of care to its patrons. This duty required the restaurant to ensure that all food was prepared, handled, and served in accordance with established health and safety code procedures in order to protect customers from harm.

I was injured by a product. What should I do now?

Holding companies and manufacturers accountable for the injuries caused by their defective products is a challenging and complex endeavor. If you think you have a potential product liability claim, follow these best practices to preserve any evidence that will help your legal team prove your case:

  1. Take photos of the product or scene where the injury occurred;
  2. Take a timely video of the product or area where the injury occurred (if possible);
  3. Preserve and keep the product in a safe place;
  4. Request the data for your records if an item has an EDR (electronic data recorder) or similar system
  5. Talk to witnesses who saw the injury occur -- and get written statements;
  6. Keep receipts, instruction booklets, and packaging whenever possible; and
  7. Call an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your claim.

GLP Attorneys has successfully represented individuals and their families who have sustained injuries from defective and unsafe products throughout our 40-year history. Our firm is committed to getting justice for our clients that have been injured in product liability cases and dedicated to protecting people who could be harmed by those products in the future.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Lawyer

If you or your loved one has been injured by a product, it’s important to take action. Our product liability attorneys have decades of collective experience challenging corporations and manufacturers to do better for their customers and take responsibility for their mistakes. 

If you have a potential product liability case you would like to discuss, call our main office line at 800.273.5005 or email our attorneys at to schedule a free lawyer consultation.