Virginia Beach E. Coli Attorney

Often called E. coli, Escherichia coli comprises a variety of bacteria found in the environment, foods, and the intestines of both humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless and beneficial for maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, but some can cause severe food poisoning and infections. Pathogenic E. coli strains can lead to intense abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, with the potential for serious health issues such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli infection typically include:

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

Additional Considerations

• Dehydration: Due to the combination of diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration is a significant risk. Symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, extreme thirst, reduced urine output, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): In severe cases, particularly with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains, patients may develop HUS. This serious condition involves the destruction of red blood cells, leading to kidney failure, and can be life-threatening, especially in young children and the elderly.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve on their own, medical attention is necessary if you experience severe or worsening symptoms, such as:

• Persistent or severe diarrhea, especially if it is bloody.
• Intense abdominal cramping and pain.
• Signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, decreased urine output).
• High fever that does not subside.
• Prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping down fluids.
• Symptoms of HUS, such as decreased urination, extreme fatigue, or pale skin.

Early medical intervention can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and provide supportive care to aid in recovery.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Proper Food Handling and Cooking: Thoroughly cook meat, especially ground beef, and avoid cross-contamination.
• Ensuring Water Safety: Drink treated water and avoid swallowing water while swimming.
• Practicing Good Personal Hygiene: Regular handwashing, especially after using the restroom, handling raw meat, or interacting with animals.
• Avoiding Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods, and clean surfaces regularly.

Why Hire a Lawyer?

An attorney will evaluate the details of the case to determine if there is a viable claim. They will consider where and how the infection was contracted and assess potential liability.

The attorney will investigate to identify all parties that might be responsible for the infection. This could include food producers, processors, distributors, retailers, restaurants, or water supply companies.

Attorneys gather and analyze evidence to build a strong case. This can include medical records, laboratory test results confirming the E. coli infection, purchase receipts, and documentation linking the illness to a specific source.

They can also engage experts in food safety, epidemiology, and medicine to provide testimony that supports the claim. These experts can help establish a link between the infection and the defendant’s actions or products.

An attorney can be an invaluable ally for someone who has developed an E. coli infection due to negligence or contamination. By providing legal expertise, gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing the victim in court, an attorney helps ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable and that the victim receives fair compensation for their suffering and financial losses.

Virginia Beach E. coli Statistics

In Virginia, there was a small increase in E. coli cases each year between 2012 and 2017; the incidence rate per 100,000 went from 1.0 in 2012 to 2.1 in 2017. However, there was a big jump in cases in 2018 and 2019, and the incidence rate for both years was 4.7. In 2021, there were 337 E. coli cases, with an incidence rate per 100,000 people of 3.9.

The E. coli cases and incidence rates in Virginia Beach City have followed a slightly different trend than the statewide data. There was a peak in 2017, with 18 E. coli cases, and then the rates decreased between 2018 and 2021.

The Lange Law Firm Can Help

If an E. coli infection has impacted you or a loved one, don’t go through this challenging time by yourself. The Lange Law Firm is here to support individuals like you with E. coli cases. Our experienced team will conduct a thorough investigation of your situation and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (833) 330-3663 or contact us online today for a free consultation. We’re ready to offer the support and legal expertise you need. Don’t hesitate—reach out now to start your path to justice and recovery.