E. coli Attorneys

Whether shopping for tomatoes at the local supermarket or dining on chicken Marsala at a favorite restaurant, Americans are extremely dependent on others to grow and produce --- and sometimes prepare and serve -- the food they eat. That dependence on the part of the consumer is balanced with an obligation on the part of the purveyor to provide food that is safe to eat. When that obligation is breached and food is produced or handled improperly, people may become ill.

“Food poisoning” is a general term encompassing a variety of illnesses that result from eating food that has been contaminated. In most cases, it refers to a bacterial infection caused by the presence of harmful bacteria in or on food. The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild stomach upset to death.

E. coli

Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli) constitute a group of bacteria, some of which are harmless and some of which can be fatal. The bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals (especially cattle) and are transmitted via direct or indirect contact with feces. Such contact may come from contaminated water (that is consumed or that is used to wash or irrigate crops) or contaminated meat that has not been properly cooked.

The strains of E. coli that are harmful to humans are those that produce a toxin known as Shiga toxin. Individuals who are infected with such strains (also known as STEC infections) typically suffer from severe stomach and abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea (which is often bloody). Symptoms usually appear 3 to 4 days after consuming contaminated food or water and resolve themselves within a week. Most individuals recover without medical intervention in 4 to 7 days. For some -- particularly the elderly, young children, and people whose immune systems are compromised -- the symptoms become severe and require hospitalization. In rare cases, a person may even die.

Salmonella

Salmonella is most commonly associated with uncooked or undercooked poultry and eggs. It may also be found in the feces of animals and humans, which means that any food has the potential to become contaminated. Lately, it’s even popped up in vegetables such as tomatoes and jalapeños.

Salmonellosis (the illness that results from a salmonella infection) typically involves fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Most individuals recover without medical intervention in 4 to 7 days. As with E.coli, the elderly, young children, and those who are immuno-compromised are susceptible to more severe symptoms that may require hospitalization or may result in death.

Because the symptoms are similar to other illnesses and usually do not require medical attention, most cases of salmonella are never confirmed or reported to local health officials. As a result, outbreaks are often difficult to identify.

Legal Issues

Many cases of food poisoning occur as a result of actions taken (or not taken) in the home such as food not being properly cooked, food not being properly stored, or someone neglecting to wash their hands before handling food. In other cases, however, a food producer or purveyor neglects to exercise reasonable care in the handling and serving of food. When this happens, there is a breach of the duty that the company or individual has to the consumer. Legally, such cases of food poisoning are treated as product liability cases.

If you have become ill as a result of food produced or prepared by a third party, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the illness was severe or resulted in the death of a loved one, you should seek experienced legal counsel from an E. coli attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are fully protected and all of your legal options remain open.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of food poisoning, contact an E. coli lawyer today.