We have been successful in our group action against the farm. We represent 27 children who suffered serious health problems following exposure to E.Coli 0157 at Godstone Farm and have received confirmation from the farm this week that they will not be disputing liability in this case.     

In August 2009 over 90 children and adults suffered serious health consequences due to their exposure to E.Coli 0157 while visiting the farm in Surrey. The E.Coli 0157 outbreak was the largest ever linked to an open farm in the UK. 

E.Coli 0157 is a particularly dangerous strain of e coli and can cause serious illness, including renal failure and death in children under 5 and the elderly. It is specifically carried in farm animals and it was only discovered in 1975. It is a relatively new strain of bacteria and is distinct from the e coli that we all carry.  It has to be ingested by humans and is carried in the gut of animals and consequently their faeces. It does not cause any illness in animals.

Proceedings issued

In June 2010, we issued proceedings in a group action against the farm on behalf of Todd and Aaron Furnell, twins who were exposed to E.Coli 0157. Both of the twins, now aged three, suffered kidney failure and spent weeks in hospital after being infected with the bacteria.

Medical evidence obtained in the course of the litigation indicated that some of the children are at risk of renal failure which could lead to dialysis and the need for kidney transplants in future years.

One of the main arguments against the farm centred on the fact that small children visiting the farm were allowed to enter the pens of animals. A deep bedding system was in operation which meant that straw was piled on top of other faeces contaminated straw. Such straw would have remained in place for many weeks. It was the Claimant’s case that toddlers were therefore put into direct contact with animal faeces at close quarters, which could then be on their clothes and shoes, not just their hands.

The Griffin Inquiry

The farm initially defended the claim, despite the publication of the Health Protection Agency’s report, The Griffin Inquiry, 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.

Today’s confirmation by Godstone Farm that it will not be disputing the claim applies to all of the children represented in the group action who were exposed to E.Coli 0157 between 8 August and 4 September 2009 and have suffered personal injury and consequential loss as a result. The level of financial support awarded to the families involved will be decided at a later hearing at which the court will approve any damages to be awarded.

It is understood that the farm intends to pursue a claim for indemnity/contribution against Tandridge District Council and the Health Protection Agency.

Read the latest coverage of the Godstone Farm case:

	Godstone Farm 'will not dispute liability' over E-coli outbreak A petting farm at the centre of Britain's worst E-coli outbreak faces paying out millions of pounds in damages after it accepted blame for infecting almost 100 people. >>Read more
	E-coli Farm The petting farm at the centre of an E-coli outbreak, which left several children seriously ill, will not be disputing liability in the legal case against it  >>Watch now
	Farm 'will not dispute E.coli case' The petting farm at the centre of an E.coli outbreak that left several children seriously ill will not be disputing liability in the legal case against it, lawyers have said. >> Read more

For further information or if you have an E.Coli 0157 claim, contact Jill Greenfield on 020 7861 4557 or email jill.greenfield@ffw.com or contact Richard Earle on 020 7861 4041 or email richard.earle@ffw.com