Proceedings served against Godstone Farm in E.Coli 0157 group action
18 August 2010
Law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has today served
proceedings against Godstone Farm on behalf of Todd and Aaron
Furnell, twins exposed to E.Coli 0157 whilst visiting Godstone Farm
in Surrey.
The law firm issued proceedings against the farm in June this
year. The farm has since declined to admit liability for the twins’
illness, despite the publication of the Health Protection Agency’s
report into the outbreak which found there were numerous failings
in the way in which the farm handled the outbreak and in its
appreciation of the risk associated with E.Coli 0157. With no
admission of liability from the farm, the serving of proceedings
means the case will potentially now go to trial.
Both of the twins, now aged three, suffered kidney failure and
spent weeks in hospital after being infected with E.Coli 0157 on
their visit in August 2009. Medical evidence obtained in the course
of the litigation indicates that both Todd and Aaron have impaired
kidney function and are at risk of renal failure (meaning dialysis
and kidney transplants) and other complications in the future that
could have a serious impact on their lives. Aaron until very
recently was using a feeding tube for ingesting liquids.
The twins mother Tracy Mock has instructed Jill Greenfield,
personal injury partner at Field Fisher Waterhouse, to bring the
claim in the High Court. The claim is for damages for personal
injury and consequential loss.
Jill Greenfield said: “It is disappointing that the farm and/or
its representatives have chosen not to admit liability in this
case, despite the findings of the Griffin Inquiry which criticised
the farm. This means that all the families may have no alternative
but to take the matter to a full trial.”
For further press information please
contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on +44 (0)20 7861 41