Marler Clark filed two additional lawsuits in the outbreak, both on behalf of Maine residents. The claims of all Marler Clark clients have been resolved for confidential sums.
On October 31, 2009, Fairbank Farms recalled 545,699 pounds of fresh ground beef products for potential E. coli contamination. The U.S. Department of Agriculture stated that “The recall was based on an ongoing investigation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts state health and agriculture departments into a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections.”
By November 3, 2009, the CDC announced that at least 28 people from 12 states had become infected with a matching strain of E. coli O157:H7. Further DNA testing on the bacteria isolated from ill individuals continued.
Of the 28 people who have become ill with E. coli O157:H7 during this outbreak, 26 became ill between September 17 and October 10, 2009. Six patients were reportedly hospitalized due to their E. coli infections, and three developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. Two people died in the outbreak as well.
PRESS RELEASES:
Survivor of Fairbank Farms E. coli Outbreak Files Lawsuit in Maine
Maine victim of fairbank farms E. coli outbreak takes legal action