El Paso E. Coli Lawyer

Escherichia coli, known as E. coli, is a bacterium that normally resides in the intestines of people and animals. Most E. coli strains are harmless and aid in digestion, but some can cause serious infections. Pathogenic strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, are known for causing severe gastrointestinal issues, including abdominal cramps and diarrhea. These infections are typically contracted through contaminated food or water, so following good hygiene and food safety practices is crucial.

Symptoms of E. coli

Symptom-wise, if someone has E. coli poisoning, they should expect severe stomach cramps and pain, diarrhea that may start watery and then become bloody, and nausea and vomiting. A low-grade fever might also be present. These symptoms typically develop within a few days of exposure to the bacteria and can vary in severity, often leading to significant discomfort and the need for medical attention.

Sources and Causes of E. coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are found in various environments and can enter the food and water supply through multiple sources and causes.

• Human and Animal Feces: The intestines of healthy humans and animals, including cattle, are the natural habitats of E. coli. When feces from these sources contaminate water, soil, or food, E. coli can spread.
• Contaminated Water: E. coli can enter the drinking water supply through sewage leaks or agricultural runoff.
• Undercooked Ground Beef: E. coli is often found in the intestines of cattle and can contaminate beef during slaughtering and processing.
• Fresh Produce: Vegetables and fruits can be contaminated through contact with contaminated water or soil, or through improper handling by workers.
• Raw Milk: E. coli can be present in unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
• Other Animal Products: Undercooked poultry, pork, and other meats can also harbor E. coli

How Do I Know If I Have a Legal Claim?

Determining whether you have a legal claim for an E. coli infection involves several steps. Key considerations to think about include:

Medical Diagnosis

• Confirmed Diagnosis: Ensure that you have a confirmed medical diagnosis of E. coli from a healthcare professional.
• Documentation: Keep all medical records, including test results, hospital bills, and doctor’s notes.

Source of Infection

• Identify the Source: Determine where the infection originated. Common sources include contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals.
• Traceback: If possible, trace back to the specific food item, restaurant, or event where the contamination occurred.

Evidence of Negligence

• Food Safety Violations: Check if there were any violations of food safety standards by a food producer, restaurant, or retailer.
• Sanitary Conditions: Look into the sanitary conditions of the place where you believe you got infected.
• Recalls and Outbreaks: Verify if there have been any recalls or reported outbreaks linked to the suspected source.

Linking the Infection to the Source

• Epidemiological Evidence: Health departments often conduct investigations to link illnesses to a common source. This can be crucial in proving your case.
• Lab Testing: Sometimes, genetic testing of the bacteria can link your infection to a specific outbreak.

Damages and Losses

• Medical Expenses: Document all expenses related to the infection, including hospital stays, medication, and follow-up care.
• Lost Wages: If the infection caused you to miss work, keep records of lost income.
• Pain and Suffering: Note any non-economic damages like pain, suffering, and decreased quality of life.

This may all sound quite complicated, but that’s where an experienced law firm comes in. They can carry out the research to see if you have a claim, and most work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless you win your case.

El Paso E. coli Statistics

The most common foodborne and waterborne diseases are E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella. El Paso County had an overall decrease in E. coli cases from 2018 to 2021. In 2018, 200 foodborne and waterborne diseases were reported; 16 of them were E. coli, making up 8% of all cases. In 2021, out of 315 total disease reports, 13 were related to E. coli, only 4% of the total number of cases.

Between 2018 and 2021, Texas was impacted by 4 multistate E. coli outbreaks:

• Romaine lettuce (2018)
• Romaine lettuce (2019)
• Clover sprouts (2020)
• Leafy greens (2020)

Don’t Delay, Contact Us Today

Get the support you need for E. coli-related issues. Contact The Lange Law Firm at (833) 330-3663 or message us online for a free consultation today. Our compassionate legal team is committed to helping you recover from this ordeal, providing you with the legal representation and support you need.