E.Coli infections and compensation claims
E.Coli infection inquiry
Recent reports in the media about E.Coli outbreaks have given families a cause for concern about attending children’s petting zoos which have been identified as a source of infection. An inquiry has been launched, led by George Griffin, Professor of Infection Diseases and Medicine at St. George’s University of London. Families of those affected by the recent E-Coli outbreaks have been invited to participate.
The inquiry intends to make recommendations to reduce the risk of further E-Coli infection spreading into the general population and introducing further measures that will allow farms to remain open to the public. The final outcomes of the report will be publicly available.
Total number infected with E-Coli
The total number of people, adults and children, affected by the E.Coli outbreaks was 91 on 14 October 2009.
In the case of Godstone Farm, in Surrey, investigations are being carried out to examine if their hygiene regimes were sufficiently stringent and correctly followed. If found to be unsatisfactory, the victims could have fair grounds for a compensation claim.
There are other farms which have closed their petting areas as a precaution include Horton Park Children’s Farm, Epsom, World of Country Life Farm, Exmouth, White Post Farm, Nottinghamshire, and Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm, North Yorkshire.
Making a claim for E-Coli compensation
Developing E-coli does not necessarily entitle the victim to make a valid claim for compensation. However, seeking expert legal advice as soon as possible is important as there are strict time limits to making a claim. The validity of any claim depends on facts, such as whether developing E-coli was forseeable or whether the organisation responsible had taken necessary preventive measures.
It is particularly advisable that parents of children who become infected with E-coli and suffer lasting or permanent damage as a result seek expert legal advice on whether they are entitle to compensation for their child’s injuries.
Similarly, if a medical professional has delayed diagnosing the E-coli infection, or if there has been a misdiagnosis resulting in worse symptoms developing, the victim or, in the case of a child, the parent or guardian should seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. If you or someone you know is a victim of misdiagnosis, please click here.
Morrish Solicitors and My First Step are respected experts in these kind of injury compensation claims, including clinical negligence (also called medical negligence), class-actions (also called multi-hand or multi-party actions) where a number of victims take action as a group, and catastrophic injury, where the injuries have a life-long impact on the victim and their family.
You receive 100% of your compensation and damages, and no legal fees. This is because all legal fees are paid by the other side. Our experience, service and expertise are at your disposal, at no cost to you.
Most victims of personal injury go through the claims process for the first and only time in their lives. The process can be daunting and confusing to first-time users. At Morrish Solicitors we provide sympathetic, straightforward advice and answers to any questions you may have about the process and your claim.
If you or your loved one has been exposed to E-coli and suffered as a result, please call us now on 033 3344 9600 and speak to one of our expert advisors. You are also welcome to complete our online claim form, and an expert will call you as soon as possible at a convenient time for you.
Related links
Legal action launched as farm tests positive for E coli
Health Protection Agency Factsheet on E. Coli
Health Protection Agency links
http://www.hpa.org.uk/HPA/Topics/InfectiousDiseases/InfectionsAZ/1203928714829/
http://www.hpa.org.uk/webw/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1254510433602?p=1231252394302
What is E.Coli?
Escherichia coli is a common bacteria, found in the intestines and faeces of warm-blooded animals, and can survive in the environment. The strain e.coli O157 can cause diarrhoea and, in severe cases, complications in the kidneys and blood. Young children and the elderly are the most at risk.
Outbreaks can be caused by food contamination or spread from person to person. 0157 can survive in the environment and can therefore be spread by touching items previously touched by an infected person, such as gates or baskets. A child touching the bacteria on a railing or animal and then putting their hand in their mouth, without having washed their hands, will transfer the contaminated material into their body.
For further information, please complete our online claim form or call us on 033 3344 9600.
