E. coli is a deadly bacteria that poses a risk to humans because of their contact with animals and animal-derived food produce. Claims are made for E. coli poisoning when it can be proved that your injury was caused by a failure to prevent the bacteria from spreading.

If you suspect that you have suffered a personal injury caused by any of the above, you should contact us for an assessment of your eligibility for an E. coli compensation claim.

E. coli poisoning is the result of contact with the bacterium either through contaminated foods, direct contact with animals, or their faeces, which can happen easier than you would think.

Food can become contaminated with E. coli when it has not being cleaned or cooked through properly, which is why it is especially important for food handlers to take special care when preparing meat and dairy.

Cross-contamination can also occur when raw fruits and vegetables are prepared on or near where meat has been handled, or chopped with the same utensils, for example. It is for this reason that all staff who are handling food must undergo thorough health and safety training as it can lead to establishments being investigated and closed down.

The E. coli bacteria is not harmless to animals but when humans contract it, the effects can be fatal.

When you are in contact with any animals, particularly sheep, goats and cows, it is important to thoroughly wash your hands before touching your face or eating. This helps explain why a large number of E. coli cases involve young children out on trips to petting zoos or their local farm.

In abattoirs and on farms, improper handling of animals and meat can lead to meat being contaminated with faeces, which could potentially affect every other worker in the supply chain. Once it reaches our homes, if the meat is not prepared and cooked properly to destroy the E. coli bacteria, entire families are put at risk.

The symptoms of E. coli can be excruciating when they attack, especially for the children and the elderly. It can take between one to 10 days from initial contact with the bacteria for you to feel symptoms, this is called the ‘incubation period’, but the tell-tale signs should make it quite easy for a doctor to diagnose.

Victims will experience severe diarrhoea, which might have blood in it, coupled with abdominal pain/ cramps and vomiting. Although most healthy people will recover within 10 days, one of the most serious complications associated with E. coli is Haemolytic-uremic syndrome – an infection which destroys red blood cells and can lead to kidney damage.

Some victims of E. coli poisoning have ended up in intensive care units (ICU) and suffered brain damage, so as soon as you begin to feel unwell, it is advisable to see your GP for a diagnosis.

If you have contracted E. coli at a restaurant or hotel, an investigation will be made that involves the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and samples of food being sent off for laboratory testing.

If you have suffered from e.coli poisoning due to someone else’s negligence our solicitors can help you to make an e.coli poisoning claim for compensation.