E Coli spinach contamination lawsuits being pursued
The source of the recent e. coli spinach contamination outbreack has been found in cattle manure on a California ranch. The California Department of Health Services indicated that the strand of e coli matches that which has infected Americans nationwide.
>>PRIOR RELATED POST: (9/19/06) E. Coli Spinach Outbreak
Although the source has been identified, the exact information on how the spinach was contaminated is still being investigated and may never be determined. The ecoli bacteria could have made its way onto the spinach fields through tainted irrigation water, flooding, poor hygiene among workers or inadequate fencing to keep out wild animals (to name a few).
Even if the exact cause of the contamination is not determined, it remains clear that the spinach manufacturers could have prevented the outbreak with the exercise of reasonable care. The September spinach EColi outbreak was the 20th reported outbreak involving a lettuce produce since 1995. Recently there have been discussions among agriculture regulators to impose requirements on the industry to prevent these outbreaks. The steps which could reduce the risk of e coli contamination have previously been voluntary for manufacturers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are at least 200 confirmed reports of serious e coli illness. Most experts believe that this number is only a mall percentage of the total illnesses caused. Estimates have indicated that the reported cases could account for only 1% to 10% of all sicknesses.
Symptoms of e-coli food poisoning include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea and vomitting. Although most symptoms resolve within a few weeks, approximately 10% of e.coli illness leads to hemolytic-urenia syndrome (HUS). Children, elderly and those with a weak immune system are more likely to suffer HUS. This condition is associated with kidney failure and is potentially fatal. So far there have been three confirmed deaths relating to the ecoli spinach contamination. Two involve elderly women and one was a two year old boy.
Saiontz and Kirk have been retained to pursue e coli spinach lawsuits against the manufacturers and producers for their negligent actions. These e-coli contamination injuries were preventable. If you or someone you know experienced an e.coli illness after eating spinach, it is not too late to obtain a free claim evaluation. Our product liability lawyers can determine if you may be entitled to compensation.
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