Texas E. Coli Infection and Foodborne Illness Litigation
Although many people can suffer from a bout of food borne infection with no lasting effects, certain strains of bacteria are more dangerous than others; certain people, especially among the elderly or the very young, are especially at risk of severe complications or death. One strain of the E. coli bacterium in particular, known as 0157:H7, is especially insidious, difficult to treat and presents heightened risks of morbidity, including kidney damage, thrombotic thrombocytopenic perpera (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), brain damage and even death. If you or someone in your family has experienced severe chronic health problems due to such E. coli infection, contact Hagood, Neumann & Huckeba L.L.P., Houston area personal injury lawyers, for a free consultation. Many 0157:H7 E. coli infections in the United States stem from a large scale outbreak of food poisoning in produce or meat, serious illness and death can also result from isolated exposures to this E. coli in foods originally contaminated with E. coli during the slaughtering process or cross contaminated by store or restaurant improper food preparation areas or methods. Once ingested, the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria can cause severe abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea with a latency period of less than 24 hours to 10 days. Many patients recover without residual problems in a week or two with conservative medical care. Other more unfortunate victims can develop thrombotic thrombocytopenic perpera (TTP), hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), brain damage or die from exposure. E. coli related TTP is associated with an uncompensated decrease in red blood cell survival and a decrease in the number of blood platelets secondary to the E. coli infectious process accompanied, in most cases, by renal (kidney) dysfunction. Generalized weakness with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea area also classic symptoms. HUS, although similar to TTP, is more complicated in adults and marked by kidney failure, premature destruction of red blood cells, blood coagulation defects and various central nervous system abnormalities. The mortality rate without treatment is close to 90%. At Hagood & Neumann, we work closely with investigators and forensic specialists to identify the source of a given outbreak or exposure and the defendants who are responsible for failing to prevent it. Because an uncomplicated infection can run its course in about the same time necessary to confirm a particular strain of E. coli poisoning, our ability to investigate the facts of your claim quickly can represent a significant advantage in the proof and resolution of your case. For more information about our ability to represent your interests in a case of E. coli infection, contact an attorney at Hagood, Neumann & Huckeba, L.L.P. |
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