Riverside E. Coli Attorney

Commonly known as E. coli, Escherichia coli is a diverse group of bacteria present in the environment, food items, and intestines of humans and animals. Most E. coli strains are harmless and contribute to gut health, but some can cause severe food poisoning and infections. Pathogenic E. coli strains can lead to significant abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, and may result in serious conditions like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Common Sources of E. coli

There are many ways a person can develop an E. coli infection, including:

• Undercooked Ground Beef: A common source due to E. coli present in cattle intestines.
• Unpasteurized Milk and Juice: This can carry E. coli if the source is contaminated.
• Raw Fruits and Vegetables: Contamination can occur from contact with contaminated water or soil.
• Contaminated Water: Drinking or swimming in water contaminated with fecal matter can lead to E. coli infections.
• Person-to-Person Contact: Close contact with an infected person, particularly in settings like daycare centers, can spread E. coli.
• Contact with Animals: Handling animals, especially in petting zoos or farms, without proper hygiene practices can lead to infections.

Symptoms and Health Impacts

If you become infected with E. coli bacteria, you may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea: Often starts watery and can become bloody in more severe cases.
• Abdominal Cramping: Severe stomach pain and tenderness.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Common symptoms that can lead to dehydration.
• Fatigue: General feeling of tiredness and weakness.
• Fever: Sometimes mild but can be more severe depending on the infection.
• Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to nausea and discomfort.

These usually start within 1-10 days of exposure but often don’t require medical attention. However, in some cases, serious complications can occur.

Complications

Some of the complications that can develop include:

• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A severe complication that can occur with EHEC strains, leading to kidney failure.
• Chronic Conditions: Some infections can lead to long-term health issues, especially if not treated promptly.
• Dehydration: Due to severe diarrhea and vomiting, which can be particularly dangerous in young children and the elderly.

Who Might Be Legally Liable for an E. coli Outbreak?

Food producers and processors, such as farms and meat processing plants, might be liable if the contamination originated from their practices or facilities. Manufacturers of pre-packaged foods and food distributors can also be held responsible if the contamination happened during processing or transit. Retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets, may be liable if they sold contaminated products. Restaurants and other food service providers could be at fault if improper food handling or preparation led to the outbreak. Additionally, municipal or private water suppliers might be liable if the outbreak was traced back to contaminated drinking water.

Why Hire an Attorney?

An attorney can play a crucial role in helping someone who has developed an E. coli infection by providing legal expertise, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the victim in court.

Your legal team can conduct a thorough investigation to identify the source of the infection, whether it originated from contaminated food, water, or improper handling practices by a restaurant or food manufacturer.

The damages available can cover a wide range of economic and non-economic losses, ensuring the victim is adequately compensated for their suffering and any financial burdens resulting from the infection.

By handling all the legal complexities, an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery while they work to secure justice and compensation on your behalf. This professional guidance can be invaluable in navigating the legal system, understanding your rights, and ensuring that those responsible for your infection are held accountable.

Riverside E. coli Statistics

In Riverside County, California, the prevalence of E. coli cases is generally quite low; between 2014 and 2017, the E. coli incidence rates per 100,000 people were less than 1.0. However, in 2018 and 2019, these rates spiked, following the same trend as the statewide incidence rates. The Riverside incidence rate for 2018 was 4.0, and 2019 was 4.4.

In recent years, California has been impacted by the following multistate outbreaks:

• Organic walnuts
• Raw cheddar cheese
• Baby spinach
• Leafy greens
• Romaine lettuce (outbreaks A and B in 2018 and an outbreak in 2019)
• Flour

Get In Touch Today

If an E. coli infection has affected you or a loved one, don’t face this difficult period alone. The Lange Law Firm is dedicated to assisting individuals like you with E. coli cases. Our experienced team will comprehensively investigate your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today at (833) 330-3663 or email us for a free consultation. We’re here to provide the support and legal expertise you need. Don’t wait – reach out now to begin your path to justice and recovery.