Parents Of Stricken Child Sue Juice Maker

ISSAQUAH - An Issaquah couple yesterday filed a lawsuit in King County Superior Court against Odwalla, the fruit-juice company, after their 2-year-old son allegedly was infected by E. coli bacteria as a result of drinking apple juice.

Michael Beverly was in critical condition for two weeks but now is recovering.

Bill Marler, attorney for Kelly and Terry Beverly, said that although he had been in contact with Odwalla Chairman Greg Steltenpohl, attorneys for the company's insurers had not responded to claims for money to pay medical bills incurred by the Beverlys.

The suit contends that the California-based company is liable for all damages sustained by Michael and his parents including past, current and future medical expenses as well as pain and suffering.