E. Coli Food Poisoning Attorneys

Update: Neblett, Beard, & Arsenault Files Lawsuit in Nestle E.Coli Recall

E. coli are a large group of bacteria – some of which are harmless and some of which can make you very sick.  Illnesses caused by E. coli exposure range from respiratory ailments to gastrointestinal infections – the latter being the most commonly associated with E. coli poisoning and the outbreaks we hear about in the news. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that 73,000 cases of infection occur in this country every year, causing more than 60 deaths.

The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have spent the past 25 years representing personal injury victims across the state of Louisiana, including residents of Alexandria, Baton Rouge and New Iberia.  Our lawyers have represented thousands of personal injury victims including people sickened by contaminated food and water, so we understand the serious complications that can result.  If you have become seriously ill due to E.coli exposure, contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request.

E. coli Symptoms

Symptoms of E. coli infection include nausea, abdominal cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, fever and fatigue. People typically become ill 2-5 days after exposure, but symptoms may last up to 8 days. While most people completely recover from the disease, serious complications can develop such as hemolytic uremic syndrome – which can lead to kidney failure.  Among those most susceptible to serious complications are the very young and the elderly, as well as anyone with a lowered or compromised immune system.

For more information on symptoms of E. coli, visit our E. coli page on http://www.myfoodadvocate.com.

E. coli Contamination

The most commonly found source of E. coli contamination in this country is cattle, although the bacteria can be found in other domestic and wild animals as well. The bacteria is spread through contact with contaminated feces, tainting a variety of food and plant products.

E. coli can be found in a variety of foods, but some of the most dangerous strains have been found in certain foods and liquids such as:

• Undercooked and raw hamburgers
• Salami
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Unpasteurized milk
• Unpasteurized apple juice or cider
• Contaminated well water

E.coli outbreaks often occur from a single source such as hamburger meat processed in a single factory or a food served in a specific restaurant – and they can cause hundreds of people to become dangerously ill. If you or a loved one has suffered serious illness from E. coli, contact the law firm of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault.  We have represented thousands of personal injury victims including food poisoning victims in both personal and class action litigation, and we’re ready to help you. We’ll review your situation free of charge and advise you of your legal options.  Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom, and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work on your behalf.

New England E. coli Outbreak Prompts Fairbank Farms to Recall Nearly 550,000 lbs of Beef

The CDC is investigating a “cluster” of E. coli infections on the east coast of the U.S. believed to be linked to contaminated ground beef. Officials stated that two people have died (one victim from New Hampshire and the other from New York), 16 have been hospitalized and 28 people overall have been sickened by this particular strain of E. coli 0157:H7.

On November 2nd, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Fairbank Farms, an Ashville, NY, establishment, recalled approximately 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. FSIS became aware of the problem during the course of the investigation into the cluster of E. coli illnesses.  Working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health and agriculture departments, FSIS determined that there is an association between the fresh ground beef products subject to recall and illnesses in Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts. FSIS is continuing to work with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, other state health and agriculture departments and the CDC on the investigation. The recalled meat was sold in the northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States by Trader Joes, Price Chopper, Lancaster, Wild Harvest, Shaw’s, BJ’s, Ford Brothers and Giant food markets. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a physician.

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault are investigating this cluster of E. coli illnesses.  If you or a loved one has suffered an E. coli infection as a result of this outbreak,  you have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation.  You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, however, so you must act quickly.  Call 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request.

Valley Meats Recall

On May 21, 2009 the USDA’s Food Safety & Inspection Services (FSIS) issued a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall, on nearly 100,000 lbs of ground beef products produced by Valley Meats of Coal Valley, Illinois.  The meat is believed to be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  This type of E. Coli infection can lead to the dangerous and sometimes fatal disease hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is associated with high blood pressure, swelling of the extremities or the entire body, and possibly eventual kidney failure and death.

The recall was prompted by the discovery through epidemiological investigation of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in groups of people in three states. In other words, people have already been sickened by products related to this recall.  Additional reports of illness are expected.

The meat was produced in March and distributed in 10-pound to 40-pound packages.  The tainted beef was sold under brand names such as 3S, Grillmaster, J&B, Klub, Thick ’N Savory and Ultimate.  A list of all recalled items can be food on this E. Coli recall update.

JB Swift Beef Recall

In June 2009, JBS Swift Beef Company recalled 380,000 pounds of assorted beef products possibly contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  So far, the tainted meat has been linked to nearly 20 illnesses nationwide.

The recall was initially announced on June 24th and for approximately 41,000 lbs of meat.  Days later, one June 28th the recall was expanded to cover nearly 400,000 pounds of beef products possibly contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a particularly virulent strain of the E. coli bacteria and lead to serious, sometimes deadly health effects including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The tainted beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally. A list of the products subject to the recall can be found here.

Food Poisoning Attorneys

If you have been sickened by E. coli, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, however, so you must act quickly.  Call 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request.  We represent personal injury victims across the country and in state of Louisiana, including residents of Alexandria, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Monroe, Shreveport, Baton Rouge and New Iberia.