E. coli outbreak gives rise to ‘no win no fee’ compensation claims
An E-coli outbreak at a farm in Surrey last year has now resulted in the increasing number of no win no fee claim that are being made the families who suffered serious personal injuries in the outbreak.
The families are now demanding the “substantial” damages in a group legal action for their sufferings. Of the 93 people who were infected by the potentially deadly 0157 strain of the bacterium, 28 are said to be seeking compensation.
A personal injury lawyer handling the case for 27 children and one adult said: "This strain is very different from general E. coli. It's a potentially deadly bacteria that affects the young and the elderly. It's up to farms to give people the proper information about it."
Two of the victims of the E-coli outbreak are twins, aged three, who became infected with E-coli while on a school trip to the farm. They both suffered kidney failure and spent several weeks in hospital.
The accused farm, which has reopened, refused to comment on the forthcoming legal action.
Updated on 18/06/2010