If you think you have suffered from an E. coli infection, talk to an E. coli attorney in MA at Mazow|McCullough. We understand how an E. coli infection can drastically affect a person’s life and have years of experience in successfully prosecuting food poisoning cases for our clients.
Call our Essex County, MA office today for a free consultation.
(978) 744-8000
What is E. coli?
E. coli stands for Escherichia coli, a large group of common bacteria that live in the guts of plant-eating animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, deer and elk. Many strains of E. coli are harmless, but there are a few that can make people very sick.
Some of the most dangerous kinds of E. coli bacteria are the ones that produce the Shiga toxin. These are called STEC (Shiga Toxin E. coli) for short. News stories often talk about E. coli O157 – this is the most commonly identified STEC – but there are plenty of other STEC that result in food poisoning and illness.
Cattle is a common species that transmits E. coli infections, but other animals like pigs and birds can pick up E. coli and spread it to human food sources.
How Do I Get an E. coli Infection?
E. coli infections occur when you swallow E. coli bacteria living on tiny amounts of animal or human feces. Without proper hygiene, feces occur in many places you wouldn’t expect, especially in agricultural settings. For example, you might contract E. coli food poisoning after consuming:
- undercooked meat
- unwashed vegetables and fresh produce
- drinking water that has not been disinfected
- unpasteurized (raw) milk or apple cider
- soft cheeses made from raw milk
- food that has been contaminated by other infected people – especially in restaurants and food preparation areas
Recent E. coli food poisoning cases have involved:
- Nestlé Toll House cookie dough
- Bags of unopened fresh lettuce
- Ground hamburger meat
- Tenderized restaurant steaks
- Raw milk products
E. Coli cases have also been reported in children who have touched animals in petting zoos or people who have accidentally drunk water in lakes and swimming areas. Since E. coli bacteria do not generally make animals sick, the infection can go unnoticed until it appears in humans.
Symptoms of E. coli Infection
E. coli infections can be very dangerous and may prove fatal. People who have been infected often report symptoms such as:
- diarrhea
- severe stomach cramps
- urinary tract infections
- respiratory illnesses
- pneumonia
In addition, around 5-10% of those who are infected with STEC develop a life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This disease can shut down a person’s kidneys, potentially cause major damage or death. Symptoms for HUS include decreased urination, fatigue and a loss of pink color in the cheeks and inside the lower eyelids.
If you believe you have been infected by E. coli, visit your doctor and ask them to test a stool specimen. If you believe you or a family member has HUS, the infected person should be hospitalized immediately.
How We Handle E. coli Cases
If you have been infected by E. coli, it is likely that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has been notified by the medical provider. In turn, the DPH will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC will investigate the claim to determine the source of the outbreak and determine whether any recalls are necessary.
When you hire the E.coli lawyers at Mazow|McCullough, we will contact the appropriate authorities to gather whatever public information is available. We will collect all of the medical documentation, interview medical treating providers, retain necessary experts such as endocrinologists, and work with you to ensure that the proper defendants are held accountable.
Contact an E. coli Lawyer in MA
Contact the E. coli attorneys in MA at Mazow|McCullough, PC today if you think you have been affected by E. coli food poisoning.
When you or a family member has been affected by a foodborne illness such as E.coli, you want to ensure that you have the proper representation. Do not trust such a case to an attorney that simply dabbles in personal injury. Trust your case to E. coli lawyers who are experienced with this specialized brand of litigation.
Contact us at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We make every effort to return phone calls and e-mail inquiries promptly.
