Contrary to popular belief, the bacteria family called Escherichia coli (E. coli) isn’t always dangerous – some strains are harmless to humans and even live in our intestinal tracts. However, certain strains like E. coli O157:H7 produce a chemical called Shiga toxin that leads to life-threatening illnesses and long-term injuries. Unfortunately, more than 250,000 infections are caused by such strains of E. coli annually.
If you contracted a serious form of E. coli poisoning, you may have grounds to sue the food manufacturer or distributor in the wake of your injuries. Our Indianapolis E. coli lawyers can help you pinpoint exactly where food handlers were negligent, and prove that you are entitled to fair compensation for your mounting medical bills.
Call Wagner Reese at to discuss your pending E. coli lawsuit.
How Was I Exposed to E. Coli?
Because E. coli is one of the most common foodborne pathogens that can cause food poisoning, it’s a household name for most Americans. While contamination by human feces is one of the best-known causes, E. coli is also present in animal intestines, which means undercooked beef or vegetables can be contaminated too. Only a very small amount of E. coli bacteria is required to cause an infection, so when a major water or food source is tainted, thousands of people can become sick in the resulting outbreak.
Some of the most common sources of E. coli bacteria exposure include:
- Undercooked or improperly handled food
- Fresh produce grown near cattle farms
- Unpasteurized or “raw” milk
- Poorly-monitored water sources, especially in rural areas
- Sewage leaking into lakes and rivers
- Petting zoos and county fairs
Consequences of E. Coli Infection
Symptoms of a severe E. coli infection include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain and tenderness
- Bloody diarrhea
Most adults can recover from a minor E. coli infection, but children, people with immune deficiencies, and elderly people are extremely vulnerable to this bacterium. If left untreated, severe forms of E. coli poisoning can turn into a fatal form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, particularly for older adults.
Fighting for Maximum Recovery in E. Coli Cases
Over the last twenty years, we’ve gained a reputation for powerful legal representation in cases where liability is difficult to prove. Although E. coli contamination is common, food distributors and handlers still have a responsibility to test their products and observe basic food safety. If we can determine that another party directly caused your infection, we’ll fight to hold them accountable and win you the fullest compensation under the law.
Schedule your free consultation with our Indianapolis food poisoning lawyers today!
