OFT Retained in Wisconsin E. Coli Outbreak

Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers

OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers have been retained by a client in connection with the current outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has apparently sickened dozens in Wisconsin—and possibly in other states as well.

A Developing and Dangerous Outbreak

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services first noted the spike in E. coli cases on November 15, 2019. The source of this particular outbreak is still under investigation, but lettuce, leafy greens and other produce items have increasingly been the source of E. coli outbreaks and may be implicated here.

The outbreak in Wisconsin may be connected with a similar outbreak announced this week by the Maryland Department of Health. That cluster includes seven individuals sickened by E.Coli, all of whom reported eating “Ready Pac Bistro Bowl Chicken Caesar Salads” purchased at Sam’s Club. The source in that case is believed to be romaine lettuce. If the Maryland and Wisconsin outbreaks are related, this could be the beginning a much broader public health crisis.

OFT’s Wisconsin Food Safety Lawyer Weighs In

According to Wisconsin-based E. coli lawyer Lindsay Lien Rinholen, most outbreaks like this are ultimately solved.  “The most important fact that we know  so far is that multiple people were sickened in a discrete area over a short period of time.  This gives the health department investigators the epidemiological and microbiological data they need to crack the case.”Lien Rinholen also said that she is not surprised that fresh produce is implicated.  “Right now I represent over 75 Wisconsin residents who were badly sickened from a food borne illness outbreak last summer linked to vegetables.  So, no, I’m not at all surprised the health department is looking at ready-to-eat greens as a possible source.”

OFT Law’s attorneys have extensive experience investigating E. coli outbreaks and ultimately recovering compensation for the people sickened. E. Coli attorney Brendan Flaherty has recovered millions of dollars for clients sickened in these kinds of outbreaks, including a seven-figure settlement for an individual who developed the serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

E. Coli Infections Can Lead to Serious Complications

Up to 10% of individuals suffering from an E. coli infection develop HUS, which is a life-threatening condition. HUS develops about seven days after the first E. coli symptoms appear and when the diarrhea is improving. HUS can cause a person’s kidneys to stop working. If you notice the signs, you should get yourself or loved one to the hospital for treatment right away.

Symptoms of HUS include:

• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Loss of pink color in cheeks and lower eyelids

Many people diagnosed with HUS recover within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, HUS can cause permanent physical harm or even death.

Contact us for more information

OFT Law is the only national food safety law firm with a Wisconsin-licensed lawyer.  OFT Law offers free consultations to anybody potentially impacted by the outbreak.