E. Coli Food Poisoning

E. Coli food poisoning should be taken seriously.  E. Coli, or Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems, some very serious for those most at risk.  Although state and local health departments work with the USDA to lower the occurrence of infection related to E. Coli, steps should be taken when you develop an infection.  At Brown Chiari LLP, we are dedicated to obtaining compensation from those responsible for food poisoning.  You may be entitled to medical expenses, lost wages and other costs.

E. Coli  Risks and Symptoms
Like most other types of food poisoning, E. Coli is not diagnosed or reported in many cases.  It is estimated that 73,000 infections and 61 deaths each year are due to the E. Coli strain O157:H7.  Bloody diarrhea should be reported to your doctor immediately, so that tests can be performed to determine if you have been infected with E. Coli.

Very young children and the elderly are most at risk for serious complications from E. Coli.  With any type of food poisoning, those with compromised immune systems and pregnant women should be especially cautious as well.

The most common symptoms of E. Coli infection are watery diarrhea that may become bloody, stomach tenderness, severe stomach cramps and nausea or vomiting.

Foods That Commonly Carry E. Coli
The most common food source of the E. Coli bacteria is beef.  While it can be found in spinach, soft cheeses, unpasteurized milk, apple cider, lettuce and other sources, beef is the source of most reported cases of E. Coli infection.  Foods are contaminated with E. Coli often become that way because the bacteria live in the gut of cattle.  Manure may also be a source of infection, because it is often used as fertilizer for growing fruits and vegetables.

E. Coli Contamination
E. Coli contamination can occur a number of ways.  Swimming in water that is contaminated may spread the infection.  Eating foods prepared by someone who did not take proper sanitation measures such as washing their hands or cooking foods thoroughly can cause infection.  Buying foods at the supermarket that were tainted in the manufacturing process may cause infection.  No matter how you become ill with E. Coli, contact your doctor at once.  Then, contact Brown Chiari LLP, a Buffalo food poisoning lawyer known for successful verdicts.

Those responsible for making you ill with E. Coli should be held responsible.  At Brown Chiari LLP, we take every measure to insure victims get compensated for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and any other related expenses. To learn more visit http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/