I was reading about the story of Linda Rivera, a teacher's aide who went into septic shock and suffered kidney failure after severe food poisoning linked to E. Coli-contaminated cookie dough.I According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, Rivera's plight began in May after she ate several spoonfuls of Nestle Toll House cookie dough. Federal health officials say Rivera was one of 10 food poisoning victims in the United States who developed a life-threatening complication from the E. Coli infection known as "hemolytic uremic syndrome."

Food Poisoning Causes Organ Failure

What Rivera went through in the seven days after eating that cookie dough was horrific. Her state of septic shock induced by the poisoning quickly led to failure of her kidneys. Doctors had to remove her gallbladder and part of her colon. And then her liver shut down. Officials say 80 people in 31 states were sickened by this tainted cookie dough. Months later, Rivera has lost her ability to speak. Doctors believe this loss of speech may have been caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria that can attack the brain. Others have also suffered serious personal injury. Another victim, who developed a similar complication after eating the cookie dough, had a stroke and remains partially paralyzed.

Liability in Food Poisoning Cases

I agree these are some of the more extreme cases. One in four Americans are said to be affected by food poisoning. The most common bacteria that cause food poisoning are E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria, which may be found in many of the foods we eat. In recent years, however, E. Coli has turned up unexpectedly in products such as spinach, leafy greens and now cookie dough. In June, Nestle recalled about 3.6 million packages of cookie dough. The recall may have cost Nestle millions of dollars, but for the Rivera family and several other families, this food contamination has caused devastation.

Nestle should definitely be held liable for such serious injuries as well as for the other cases of E. Coli poisoning brought on by their products that has caused so much pain and suffering to scores of victims. Anyone who suffered injuries as a result of this food poisoning can seek damages to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, medication and even long-term care if that becomes necessary. Should any of the victims die as a result of complications from food poisoning, their families may be able to file wrongful death claims to seek compensation.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our source for the facts is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.

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