Indianapolis E. Coli Lawyer

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a bacterium that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. While the majority of E. coli strains are harmless and important for gut health, some can be harmful. For example, E. coli O157:H7 can cause serious food poisoning, characterized by symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. This bacterium is usually spread through contaminated food or water, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good hygiene and food safety practices to avoid infection.

Symptoms of E. coli

Recognizing the symptoms of E. coli poisoning involves noting severe stomach cramping and pain, frequent diarrhea that can turn bloody, and nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, a low-grade fever is present. The combination of these symptoms, especially if diarrhea is bloody, is a strong indicator of E. coli poisoning and warrants medical attention.

E. coli Liability

Liability for an E. coli outbreak can vary depending on the circumstances, but it often involves multiple parties in the food supply chain. Here are the primary entities that could be held liable:

• Farmers and Agricultural Producers: If the outbreak is traced back to contamination at the farm level, the farmers or agricultural producers may be held liable. This could be due to improper handling of livestock, use of contaminated water for irrigation, or poor sanitary practices.
• Food Processors and Manufacturers: Companies involved in processing and manufacturing food products could be liable if they fail to follow proper food safety protocols. This includes contamination during processing, inadequate cooking or pasteurization, and poor hygiene practices.

• Distributors and Suppliers: If the contamination occurs during the transportation or storage of food products, distributors and suppliers could be held responsible. This includes improper refrigeration, cross-contamination during handling, and other lapses in maintaining food safety standards.

• Retailers and Grocery Stores: Supermarkets, grocery stores, and other retailers may be liable if they sell contaminated products. They are responsible for ensuring the products they sell are safe for consumption and are stored and handled correctly.

• Restaurants and Food Service Providers: Restaurants, cafes, and other food service establishments can be liable if they serve contaminated food. This includes ensuring proper food handling, cooking, and storage practices to prevent contamination.

How Much Does an E. coli Lawyer Charge?

E. coli lawyers often accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that their payment is contingent upon the successful resolution of your case. In other words, you do not have to pay any upfront legal fees or retainers to secure their services. Instead, the lawyer agrees to take a percentage of the compensation you receive from a settlement or court award as their fee. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to clients who might not have the financial resources to pay for a lawyer out of pocket.

With a contingency fee arrangement, the lawyer assumes the financial risk of the case. They invest their time, effort, and resources into building a strong case on your behalf, covering costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and other necessary expenses. If the case is successful, the lawyer’s fee is deducted from the total amount recovered. If the case is not successful and no compensation is awarded, the lawyer does not receive any payment for their services, and you typically only need to cover basic court costs.

This fee structure aligns the interests of both the lawyer and the client, as the lawyer is motivated to maximize the compensation you receive. It also provides peace of mind for clients, as they do not need to worry about the financial burden of legal bills during the course of the case.

E. coli Outbreaks in Indianapolis

Marion County had an E. coli incidence rate of 2.2 per 100,000 in 2018.

In 2018, 248 cases of E. coli were reported in Indiana, with a rate of 3.7 per 100,000, this number was much higher than the rates reported in 2016 (1.52) and 2017 (1.77).

In 2016 and 2017, the age group with the highest incident rates was 1-4. However, in 2018, 0-1 was the highest, closely followed by 1-4.

More recently, Indiana was impacted by E. coli outbreaks relating to:

• Cake mix
• Leafy greens
• Ground beef

Contact Us Now

If E. coli has disrupted your life, call The Lange Law Firm at (833) 330-3663 or message us online today for a free consultation. Our attorneys have a proven track record in E. coli litigation and will work diligently to secure the compensation you need to move forward.