As a leading firm of solicitors with specialist knowledge in this area, we are currently collating evidence in order to investigate whether legal action is justified following the recent e-coli outbreak.
In the last week the number of people affected by the e-coli outbreak has doubled, with a further three farms closing their doors to the public.
Chronology of the e-coli outbreak:
08.08.09 – Earliest infection
27.08.09 – First detected case of E-coli at Godstone Farm
5.09.09 – The Health Protection Agency closed the Animal area of Godstone Farm
12.09.09 – Decision made to close the whole of Godstone Farm
w/c 14.9.09 - Horton Park Children’s Farm, Godstone’s sister Farm, in Epsom closed due to E-coli
w/c 14.9.09 - White Post Farm in Nottinghamshire closed due to E-coli
w/c 14.9.09 - World of Country Life in Exmouth closed due to E-coli
It is thought that approx 2,000 per day passed through Godstone Farm during peak times; therefore, a potential 60,000 people may have been exposed to E-coli since 8th August, of whom 30,000 are expected to be children. Making the outbreak "possibly the largest in the UK" to be caused by contact with animals, according to HPA.
Blakemores', specialist Personal Injury team, recently acted for the parents of approximately 60 children who had symptoms of severe sickness and diarrhoea after visiting a local attraction. Acting as lead Solicitors, our investigations established, with the assistance of a consultant paediatric gastroenterologist expert, that the symptoms resulted from being exposed to cryptosporidium. We also revealed that the cause was as a result of defective equipment and we were able to successfully seek compensation on behalf of the children, which will remain in a Trust Fund until they reach 18 years of age.
There are signification similarities with the recent e-coli outbreak and if you have been affected we would like to use our knowledge to assist you. In order to pursue a claim it is essential to collate evidence now, to establish negligence either on behalf of the Farm or the Authorities.
If you or someone you know has been affected, please contact us in complete confidence for a no obligation chat on:
0800 169 7788 or compete the online enquiry form.
E-coli – the facts
- Symptoms range from mild diarrhoea to severe abdominal cramps, vomiting and blood in the stools.
- The incubation period can range from three to eight days, with symptoms usually becoming apparent three to four days after infection.
- Most people shake off the bug within a few days but children under 5, the elderly and those with damaged immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
- The bacteria can be readily passed from one to another so contact with other members of the household should be restricted as much as possible.
Blakemores is a full service law firm providing advice on personal injury and insurance claims, conveyancing, wills, trusts and probate,family and childcare, immigration and dispute resolution. We promise to listen to what you have to say, advise you on the best course of action and treat you with respect. In short, to give you more than you’d expect from a law firm.
