Tucson E. Coli Lawyer

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium typically present in the intestines of humans and animals. Although the majority of E. coli strains are harmless and contribute to a healthy digestive system, certain strains can lead to severe food poisoning and other infections.

The main pathogenic (illness-causing) strains include:

• Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC): The most well-known strain is E. coli O157, often associated with severe foodborne illness. It can cause hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC): Known for causing traveler’s diarrhea. It produces toxins that stimulate the lining of the intestines, leading to watery diarrhea.
• Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC): Primarily affects infants and young children, causing diarrhea. EPEC attaches to the intestinal lining and disrupts normal absorption.
• Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC): Invades and multiplies within intestinal cells, causing a dysentery-like illness characterized by severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC): Causes persistent diarrhea, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals. It adheres to the intestinal lining in a stacked-brick pattern.
• Diffusely Adherent E. coli (DAEC): Associated with diarrhea in children. DAEC strains adhere diffusely to the surface of intestinal cells.

Treatment for E. coli

• Most E. coli infections are self-limiting and resolve within a week.
• Hydration is crucial to prevent dehydration from diarrhea.
• Antibiotics are generally not recommended for treating E. coli infections as they can increase the risk of complications.
• Severe cases, particularly those caused by E. coli O157, may require medical attention.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

• High Fever: Particularly when accompanied by other severe symptoms.
• Severe Abdominal Pain: If the pain is persistent or worsening.
• Severe Diarrhea: Especially if it is bloody.
• Signs of Dehydration: Such as decreased urination, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Why Might You Need a Tucson E. Coli Attorney

Situations where a third party may be responsible for someone getting an infection include:

• Food Manufacturers and Processors: If the infection is traced back to contaminated food products, such as undercooked meat, raw milk, or contaminated produce, the companies involved in producing, processing, or distributing the food could be held liable.
• Restaurants and Food Service Providers: If a person contracts E. coli from eating at a restaurant due to improper food handling, preparation, or storage, the establishment might be responsible.
• Selling Contaminated Products: Retailers who sell food products contaminated with E. coli could be held liable, especially if they failed to adhere to food safety regulations or recall notices.
• Public Water Suppliers: If the infection is due to contaminated drinking water, the public or private water supplier might be liable for not ensuring the water’s safety and quality.
• Recreational Water Facilities: If a person contracts E. coli from swimming in a contaminated pool, water park, or other recreational water facility, the facility’s management could be responsible.

Legal Grounds for an E. Coli Lawsuit

To proceed with a lawsuit, you will have to prove certain criteria. Your Tucson E. coli attorney will take care of these so you can focus on fully recovering.

Negligence

• Duty of Care: The defendant had a duty to provide safe products, services, or environments.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this duty through action or inaction.
• Causation: The breach directly caused the plaintiff’s E. coli infection.
• Damages: The plaintiff suffered damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Product Liability

• Strict Liability: In cases involving contaminated food products, manufacturers and sellers can be held strictly liable, meaning the plaintiff does not need to prove negligence, only that the product was contaminated and caused harm.

Breach of Warranty

• If the contaminated product breached an express or implied warranty of safety and fitness for consumption.

Tucson E. coli Statistics

In Pima County, the E. coli incidence rate per 100,00 people reached a high of 1.27 in 2019. In the following years that rate decreased to 0.61 in 2020, but has began to slowly increase again. It was 0.77 in 2021, and 0.93 in 2022. Luckily for residents, the overall average state incidence rates are much higher, 2.6 (2020), 3.8 (2021), and 4.1 (2022), so people living in Tucson are less likely to experience E. coli than people in other parts of the state.

E. coli outbreaks that have affected Arizona in recent years, have been leafy greens in 2020, and romaine lettuce in 2018 and 2019.

What Next?

Need help with an E. coli case? Call The Lange Law Firm at (833) 330-3663 or contact us online today for a free consultation. Our expert team will investigate, identify those responsible, and fight for your rightful compensation.