SEATTLE—Marler Clark, the Seattle law firm nationally known for its successful representation of E. coli victims, launched redesigned websites today in an effort to make information on E. coli O157:H7, the deadly foodborne pathogen, more easily accessible for Internet users. The firm launched the sites www.about-ecoli.com, www.about-hus.com, and www.about-ttp.com in a new format, which makes navigation more manageable for site users.
“When a family member becomes ill with an E. coli infection, people want to know all they can about what is making that person sick. These sites provide some of the most comprehensive material out there on E. coli, HUS and TTP,” said William Marler, managing partner of Marler Clark.
“Most people have heard of E. coli, but until someone they know falls victim during an E. coli outbreak, they don’t realize the seriousness of infection,” Marler continued. “Ideally, outbreaks would be prevented in the first place, but if and when people become ill, they have a need to know and understand all the aspects of infection. That’s where these sites come in.”
The about-ecoli site provides information related to the symptoms and risks associated with E. coli O157:H7 infection, how E. coli is detected, possible ways to prevent infection, as well as recent news associated with outbreaks. The about-hus and about-ttp sites provide information on hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), severe complications of E. coli infection that commonly affect the young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
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BACKGROUND: Marler Clark has extensive experience representing victims of E. coli illnesses. Marler Clark has represented over 1,000 E. coli victims since 1993, when William Marler represented Brianne Kiner in her $15.6 million E. coli settlement with Jack in the Box. In 1998, Marler Clark resolved the Odwalla Juice E. coli outbreak for the five families whose children developed HUS and were severely injured after consuming contaminated apple juice for $12 million. In September, 2003, the Washington Supreme Court declined to review a decision upholding a $4.6 million award to 11 children injured in a 1998 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that was linked to undercooked taco meat served as part of a school lunch at an elementary school. The firm represented the school children in this case, both at trial, and on appeal. The partners at Marler Clark also speak frequently on issues of safe food and have formed OutBreak, Inc., a non-profit business dedicated to training companies on how to avoid foodborne diseases.