E. Coli Outbreaks in the U.S. Often Lead to E. coli Lawsuits
The E. coli lawyers at Ron Simon & Associates monitor a number of E. coli outbreaks in the U.S. every year, including the most common, E. coli O157, and file E. coli lawsuits or claims on behalf of victims. E. coli O157 is the most strain of E. coli that doctors and labs check for when they send a stool culture to the lab for identification of bacteria. These medical professionals often suspect E. coli when there is significant blood in the stool. Capias amounts of blood in the stool is a sign of E. coli and the presence of Shiga Toxin, which E. coli sheds. In cases where the E. coli is not O157, the stool culture is often negative. This can occur when the outbreak is linked to E. coli O121, O45, or any other strain of Shiga Toxin producing E. coli.
The proper testing (as tool test) helps to identify the presence of E. coli or Shiga Toxin, and in so doing enables medical professionals to treat and report the disease. Once a report if filed, the local health department can begin to trace it back to the source of the E. coli or Shiga Toxin producing bacteria. Just as the bacteria is identified through a stool culture, the same fecal matter is how the bacteria spreads. Poor personal hygiene is often the cause do an E. coli outbreak, and often can lead to a lawsuit for negligence against the food service or manufacturer who introduced the contaminated food to eh consumers.
E. Coli Illnesses can be Severe: E. coli induced HUS
In most cases, 7 to 10 days after infection the primary symptoms will resolve. Most victims ride-it-out or seek medical attention for dehydration (one of the primary concerns) and the severe abdominal cramping. It is a horrific disease and many of our clients tell us they think they are going to die. The vast majority do not! However, E. coli can be fatal and can cause irreparable harm such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure and in extreme cases, necessitate kidney transplants.
In E. coli lawsuits addressing HUS, the damages need to take into account the future medical attention that will be required to treat and care for a person who may require ongoing medical treatment and monitoring.
For more information about E. coli induced HUS, call the food poisoning lawyers at 1-888-335-4901.
