Can I Sue for E. Coli?

Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers

Yes, you can sue for E. coli poisoning if there is evidence that your illness or food poisoning was caused by eating contaminated food that you bought at a store or were served at a restaurant.

E. coli poisoning is often caused by contaminated food. This can include cross-contamination or a lack of health and safety procedures. If you have evidence proving that another person or company caused your illness, you can get compensated for your injuries and damages. If you suspect your E. coli illness was caused by contaminated food, contact an experienced E. coli lawyer to discuss your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why Should You Sue for E. coli?

When you file a lawsuit after you become ill with E. coli, you can receive compensation to pay for your losses. This is one of the most important reasons to sue for E. coli. A lawsuit also allows you to do the following:

• Gather Information – When you file a lawsuit, you can engage in the discovery process. This is where both sides share information, witnesses, and employees sit for depositions, and experts provide opinions.
• Obtain a Fair Settlement – Many companies are reluctant to make a fair settlement offer until you actually file a lawsuit. Once you do, they take you seriously.
• Ensure You Get a Fair Outcome – Companies will do everything possible to protect themselves, including taking advantage of the victim who contracted coli. Filing a lawsuit will protect your rights.
• Raise Awareness – By filing a lawsuit, you will notify others who may have also become sick from a similar situation. You may give them the necessary information to begin their own claims.

However, there is another essential factor. You can prevent others from getting sick. When you sue an organization for causing you to get E. coli, you force them to change their procedures and adopt healthier and safer practices for the future.

Many times, we represent multiple people—even dozens—who were sickened by the same contaminated food in the same E. Coli outbreak. That means we have the leverage to get the attention of the bad actor that sold or produced the contaminated food, and there is often an opportunity to reach an agreement on fair compensation without actually filing a lawsuit.

What Damages Could You Recover from an E. coli Lawsuit?

You can get compensation to pay for all your losses in an E. coli lawsuit. Whether you accept a settlement or take your case to court, you are eligible to get the compensation you need to pay for the following damages:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Employment benefits
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Permanent physical limitations

How Do You Know if You Have a Case?

Not every case of E. Coli poisoning is eligible for a lawsuit. Some key factors lead to a good E. coli case, including:

• You know who or which company was responsible
• You tested positive for an coli infection and it was reported to the health department
• You were sick enough that you had to seek medical attention

If you do not know who caused your illness or did not get medical treatment, you aren’t likely to have a case. However, these are elements that a food poisoning lawyer can help you develop. Your E. Coli attorney can investigate your situation and determine where the E. coli outbreak began. In many communities, there will be information available in news outlets or on social media when there is an outbreak.

Who’s At Fault for E. Coli Poisoning?

Any company that sells or serves you food contaminated with dangerous E. coli pathogens can be held strictly liable for making you sick. In some cases, more than one party may be responsible. Common people or companies who may be at fault include:

• Food producers
• Food sellers and suppliers
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Manufacturers
• Restaurant owner

In almost all of these cases, the person or company who is at fault will be covered by insurance, which will have financial liability to pay you for the full amount of your damages.

Our E. coli Lawyers Are Here to Help

It can be hard to know whether to sue for E. coli, but we offer 100% free consultations. To find out if filing an E. coli lawsuit is right for you, call OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers at 888-828-7087 or reach out online to schedule a case consultation.