E. Coli Outbreaks: Food poisoning lawyers
Negligent handling of food allows Ecoli to contaminate what you eat, resulting in serious and potentially fatal health conditions. >>REQUEST A FREE CLAIM EVALUATION
E. Coli is a bacteria which has been seen in several outbreaks of food poisoning in the United States. In many cases, Ecoli outbreaks can be linked to negligence during the manufacturing or preparation of food products.
The food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate potential E. Coli lawsuits nationwide. If a serious injury or death is caused by E. coli food poisoning which could have been prevented, financial compensation may be available.
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RECENT E COLI OUTBREAKS
- June 2009: Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough Recall
E COLI SYMPTOMS
The most common strain of the E. Coli bacteria responsible for food contamination is E Coli O157:H7. Common symptoms include abdominal cramps and diarrhea. For most healthy adults, E. coli symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, more severe cases could result in hemolytic-urenia syndrome (HUS), which is associated with kidney failure and could result in death. Children, elderly and those with a weak immune system have an increased risk of HUS.
>>INFORMATION: Hemolytic-Urenia Syndrome (HUS)
E coli symptoms usually begin with hemorrhagic colitis, which involves abdominal cramps, severe diarrhea and vomiting. The diarrhea starts watery and usually becomes bloody within 24 hours. It is not uncommon for ecoli symptoms to begin until several days after the contaminated food is consumed. Once symptoms appear and persist for more than a few hours, immediate medical attention should be sought.
In the early stages of e. coli sickness, treatment is usually limited to making sure the patient receives proper hydration and nutrition. There is no specific treatment for ecoli, as antibiotics do not effect the bacteria. In fact, some experts believe the use of antibiotics may lead to more serious complications.
E. COLI OUTBREAKS AS A RESULT OF FOOD CONTAMINATION
The E. coli bacteria lives in the intestines of animals. Although it does not make the animal sick, the bacteria can infect food through the animal’s fecal matter. Food contamination can occur from improper handling on the farm, errors during the packaging process, mistakes at a retail store or failure to fully cook meat. The bacterium is often found in meat, produce, milk and certain juices.
It has been estimated that EColi O157:H7 is the cause of approximately 70,000 cases of infection annually with over 60 deaths each year in the United States. In September 2006, at least 20 deaths were directly attributed to E. coli contaminated bags of spinach which were sold nationwide. The e. coli outbreak was linked to negligence during the manufacturing and packaging of the product, which could have been prevented.
E COLI LAWYERS – FREE LAWSUIT EVALUATION
For those individuals who experience diarrhea and vomiting that resolves within a few days, it is often difficult to file an e coli lawsuit. In those cases, the cost of pursuing a legal claim may exceed the potential for any settlement or recovery. However, if serious injuries have been caused by negligent food preparation or manufacturing, compensation may be available.
The E. coli lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate and review claims for serious injuries sustained as a result of food poisoning which could have been prevented. If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), kidney damager or other serious injury as a result of E. coli food contamination, request a free claim evaluation.
