Posted On: February 4, 2005
$750,000 Awarded To Woman Who Swallowed Metal from Food
Debbie Mercatanti was awarded $750,000 in court ordered arbitration after having swallowed a piece of metal wire that was in a frozen rigatoni meal. The hospital extracted a one centimeter wire from her throat and she obtained acute swelling. She underwent six throat surgeries and sought $153,000 for medical expenses plus pain and suffering damages.
Rigatoni maker, Rico Pasta Co of NY rejected the award. He claims that there is no proof that the metal came from the pasta or the sauce served with it. Rico Past Co also said that it failed to keep maintenance records, although the defense stood strong in their belief that the plaintiff’s testimony was inconsistent.
- Charles Toutant, New Jersey Law Journal
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