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E. coli Lawsuits

E. coli Lawsuits

E. coli related food poisoning is a serious health concern in the United States. E. coli can lead to hospitalization and even death, especially in the elderly, children and those with weakened immune systems.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know got sick in an outbreak of food poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

E. Coli Outbreaks & Recalls

What is E. Coli?

There are several types of E. coli bacteria, some which cause no harm to humans and others which can cause serious illness. E. coli O157:H7 is the most prevalent type of E. coli that produces illness in the United States. The CDC has estimated that 85% of E. coli O157:H7 infections are food-borne.

Types of Food Linked to Outbreaks

Foods that have been linked to E. coli contamination include ground beef, venison, sausages, dried salami, unpasteurized milk and cheese, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, orange juice, alfalfa and radish sprouts, lettuce, spinach, and even water.

How Often Does it Cause Illness?

Every year, at least 2000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 60 die as a result of E. coli infections. Food poisoning is usually caused by eating unwashed vegetables or under-cooked meat. In recent years, outbreaks have also been linked to flour, cheese, and nut butters.

Why is E. Coli So Dangerous?

E. coli organisms have several characteristics that make them extremely dangerous.  For example, E. coli can survive several weeks on surfaces such as counter tops, and up to a year in some materials like compost.  In addition, it takes a very small amount of the bacteria to cause infection.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

One serious complication of E. coli is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Approximately 5–10% of people who get sick due to E. coli develop HUS. HUS symptoms include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.

Complications of HUS

People with HUS must be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. While most people who develop HUS recover within a few weeks, some have permanent kidney damage or require dialysis. The infections are more likely to be fatal in children under 5 years old.

Symptoms of E. Coli

The severity of the illness varies considerably. The symptoms of E. coli infections generally include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. There may also be a low-grade fever. Most people recover within 5–7 days, but it can be fatal. The symptoms may include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Severe abdominal cramps, discomfort, or pain
  • Diarrhea (often very watery or bloody)
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Pale skin
  • Weakness

Do I have an E. Coli Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting E. coli food poisoning induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know got sick in an outbreak of food poisoning, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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