Houston E. Coli Lawsuit

E. coli infections can cause devastating harm—ranging from severe illness and hospitalization to lifelong complications or death. In Houston, if you contracted E. coli from contaminated food or water due to another party’s negligence, you may be eligible for compensation.

E. coli and its Risk Factors

E. coli is a bacterium, and while some strains are harmless, certain variants—such as E. coli O157:H7—can produce toxins leading to severe gastrointestinal illness and life-threatening complications, particularly in children and older adults. Humans typically contract harmful strains of E. coli through:

• Undercooked meats—especially ground beef
• Unpasteurized dairy or produce contaminated during processing
• Improper handling or cross-contamination of food
• Contaminated water or environmental exposure from poor sanitation

Who Can Be Held Liable in Houston E. Coli Lawsuits?

Depending on the investigation, multiple parties may face legal responsibility, including:

• Manufacturers and Producers – When contaminated food enters the market.
• Food Processors and Distributors – If safety protocols are violated during handling or transport.
• Restaurants and Food Service Providers – If improper cooking or hygiene practices lead to contamination.
• Retailers and Grocers – For selling recalled or contaminated products.
• Farms or Suppliers – Including produce farms and water suppliers where initial contamination may occur.

E. coli lawsuits often rely on strict product liability in Texas, meaning you may not need to prove negligence. If a contaminated food product caused harm and was consumed as intended, the responsible party can be liable. Proving liability requires identifying the contamination source—common methods include health department investigations, traceback studies, and expert testimony.

What Compensation Can You Seek?

Victims in E. coli lawsuits may pursue:

Medical Expenses

You can seek full compensation for current and future hospital bills, lab work, follow-up care, and treatment for complications like kidney damage.

Lost Income

If you missed work or cannot return due to lasting effects, you may be entitled to recover lost income and future earnings.

Pain and Suffering

Texas law allows victims to pursue damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life caused by the illness.

Wrongful Death

Families may seek damages for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and lost financial support when a loved one dies from E. coli.

Punitive Damages

In rare cases of gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages to hold reckless parties accountable.

Top 5 Most Recent E. Coli Lawsuits in Houston

1. Roving Meadows Utilities (Harris County)

• Issue: A wastewater treatment facility in Crosby was found discharging raw sewage with E. coli levels more than 1,000 times the legal limit into ditches connected to public waterways. Residents reported foul odors and visible contamination.
• Action: Harris County sued the operator in February 2025 for violations of state water laws.
• Result: A temporary injunction was granted to halt operations. The case is ongoing.

2. Conroe Environmental Lab Indictment (Federal Case)

• Issue: Executives and staff at a Conroe lab were indicted for falsifying E. coli test results from wastewater systems in the Houston area, allowing contaminated water to be reported as safe.
• Action: Federal prosecutors charged three individuals in early 2025 with conspiracy and fraud.
• Result: The criminal case is pending in federal court with no verdict yet.

3. Taylor Farms – Romaine Lettuce Outbreak

• Issue: A 2024 multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 was linked to contaminated Romaine lettuce supplied by Taylor Farms. At least 89 people were sickened, with several hospitalized.
• Action: Multiple lawsuits were filed in early 2025, alleging the company failed to warn the public despite knowing of the contamination.
• Result: Litigation is ongoing; no reported settlements or judgments.

4. Taylor Farms – McDonald’s Onion Outbreak

• Issue: Slivered onions used in McDonald’s Quarter Pounders were tied to an E. coli outbreak in 2024 that led to serious illnesses and at least one death.
• Action: Lawsuits filed in multiple states, including Texas, accuse Taylor Farms of distributing unsafe food.
• Result: No public resolutions yet; cases remain active.

5. Grimmway Farms – Organic Carrots

• Issue: An E. coli O121 outbreak in late 2024 was traced to pre-packaged organic carrots from Grimmway Farms, leading to dozens of illnesses across several states.
• Action: Personal injury lawsuits and product liability claims began in early 2025.
• Result: No court outcomes have been reported; investigations and legal proceedings are still underway.

How a Houston E. coli Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Houston E. coli attorney will:

• Trace and pinpoint the source of your E. coli exposure with health experts and authorities.
• Collect evidence, including laboratory testing, medical records, purchase receipts, and inspection reports.
• Identify all responsible parties in the food supply chain and determine the appropriate legal theory—strict liability, negligence, or a combination.
• File insurance claims or lawsuits, negotiate settlements, and proceed to trial when necessary.

Legal representation offers the strongest path to holding negligent parties accountable and securing fair compensation.

Contact a Houston E. coli Lawsuit Attorney Today

If you or a loved one became seriously ill from E. coli contamination in Houston, you do not have to face this alone. Contact The Lange Law Firm, PLLC at (833) 330‑3663 or reach out online for a free consultation. Let our dedicated legal team help you pursue justice and recovery.