E. coli outbreaks cause more than just runny stomachs and nausea. Massive outbreaks can have devastating consequences for victims and their families.
In February, a City of Houston E. coli outbreak linked to cheese led to four being hospitalized and one person suffering severe complications in the form of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
This may sound like a small number, but the CDC stated that the true number of sick people was much higher than the reported number. The CDC also believed the outbreak was not limited to the four states that reported it.
When multiple people fall ill after consuming contaminated food, the situation can have far-reaching consequences for affected communities. This also provides grounds for a class-action lawsuit.
How E. coli Outbreaks Affect Communities
E. coli infections affect individuals by causing diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Children and older adults are at a higher risk of severe complications, including kidney damage.
The impact of E. coli also extends beyond physical symptoms. The treatment process for food poisoning can be expensive. And, if a victim is hospitalized, it means they cannot work and will lose income.
There is also the risk of long-term complications that can cause previously healthy people to become chronically ill. E. coli outbreaks can also adversely impact entire communities because they have the potential to overwhelm healthcare systems. Moreover, outbreaks may spell doom for local businesses, especially those in the food industry ones. Even if they are not implicated in the outbreak, they will suffer losses due to a downturn in consumer trust.
Popular areas affected by an outbreak may suffer reputation damage, leading to decreased economic development.
The Positive Side of E. coli Outbreaks
It may seem unlikely, but there is also a positive side to E. coli outbreaks. For example, if victims file a class action lawsuit, it can prompt food businesses and regulatory agencies to implement stricter food safety standards.
Also, an ongoing focus on E. coli outbreaks may lead to more intensive research into preventing them.
What are Class Action Lawsuits?
If you eat contaminated food sold by a retailer or restaurant and contract an E. coli infection, it may be possible to file a legal case. If more victims also contracted an infection, you could all stand together and file a class action lawsuit.
Such lawsuits involve multiple plaintiffs with similar claims who sue one defendant together. This option is particularly useful in cases of widespread harm, such as E. coli outbreaks.
Class action lawsuits are popular because they allow plaintiffs to pool their resources and share legal costs, which increases the chances of a successful outcome.
Reasons to Join an E. coli Class Action Lawsuit
You should join a class action lawsuit for several reasons if you are affected by an E. coli outbreak.
- If the outbreak is widespread (in Houston and other cities or states), there is a good chance that someone will initiate a class action lawsuit.
- If you suffer severe illness or complications, you will likely have a lot of medical expenses to cover. A class action lawsuit can help you do that.
- Experiencing financial difficulties because of your illness (loss of income) is another reason to join such a lawsuit.
- Even if you just want to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence, a class action suit allows you to do that.
Benefits of Joining an E. coli Class Action Lawsuit
Joining a class action suit means you will pay less for litigation costs and have more resources at your disposal.
Shared costs also mean you can consult with an experienced and specialized attorney, who you may not have been able to afford independently.
Class action suits come with increased bargaining power. A united front of plaintiffs is a force to be reckoned with, unlike a lone plaintiff with limited resources. Bargaining power is an unmissable part of negotiations for damages.
The defendant is also more likely to agree to a higher settlement when they have to face a large group of plaintiffs. There is the potential for high payouts because class action lawsuits, no matter how complex, are typically managed by lawyers with years of experience in mass tort litigation.
When compensation is awarded in a class action suit, the settlement funds are equally distributed among class members according to a pre-set formula to ensure fairness.
It is also possible that your class action lawsuit will have an entire team assigned to it, which means the case may be resolved faster.
Even better, a successful class action suit may help prevent future negligence, keeping more people safe from harm.
How to Join an E. coli Class Action?
The first thing to do if you want to join a class action lawsuit is to consult with the relevant law firm. You must find a lawyer specializing in such cases to initiate a class action and invite other plaintiffs.
It is important to identify the lawsuit (E. coli outbreak) and decide who the class administrator will be. If you are joining someone else’s lawsuit, contact the relevant class action administrator to find out how to join.
When the red tape and administration are out of the way, you can submit a claim to join or initiate a class action.
What to Remember?
Filing or joining a class action suit means committing to winning a case. However, it also means giving up weeks or months because these cases can take a long time to resolve.
There is also no guarantee that the case will be successful. This is another reason to get the best lawyer possible.
Even if the case is successful, there is no guarantee that the settlement awarded will fully compensate all class members.
A Class Action Lawsuit May Be the Best Thing You Can Do
Deciding to join an E. coli class action suit is a significant decision. You should not make the decision lightly and consider whether you have the time to devote to a lengthy legal process.
However, if the case is successful, it may be worth all the trouble. You and other plaintiffs will be compensated, and there may be an overhaul in the food safety industry.