High Court ruling on E.Coli outbreak

  • Meridian
More than 90 people were affected by the 2009 E.Coli outbreak Credit: PA Images

Lawyers representing more than 30 people affected by a 2009 outbreak of E.Coli at a petting attraction in Surrey have welcomed a High Court ruling that the farm is solely liable for damages.

A year ago Godstone Farm accepted full liability for the outbreak but was trying to get the local council and health authority to contribute to any costs they incurred.

The matter came before the High Court to deal with the dispute between Godstone Farm, the Health Protection Agency and Tandridge District Council. Mr Justice Turner confirmed Godstone Farm were wholly liable for the incident and ruled that no responsibility for the outbreak could be placed on either of the public authorities.

In 2009, more than 90 people contracted E.coli when visiting the farm, including 76 children under 10.

The law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has been acting for more than 30 of the claimants, some of who have suffered very serious health problems and may require kidney transplants in the future.

Lawyers said they were pleased there had been a decision, for what had been a trying time for all the families involved.