If you experienced food poisoning you may be entitled to compensation. Our lawyers and staff can guide you through the legal process. Call us today toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552 or use our contact form for a free and confidential case evaluation.
Can I sue for food poisoning?
Yes, however your success will depend upon the severity of your case and the ability to prove liability. Food poisoning is very common, but proving that a restaurant or another party was responsible can be difficult. Talking to a lawyer can help you decide whether to pursue legal action.
Settlements and successful cases are more common when you have been a part of an outbreak. Your local health department may issue statements regarding outbreaks.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of food poisoning include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Cramps or abdominal pain
- Fever
Illness brought on by eating contaminated food can occur just hours after eating or can occur days or weeks later. In some cases, foodborne illness can require hospitalization and can lead to further medical complications, including, in some cases, death.
What is food poisoning caused by?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that many different microbes and chemicals can be responsible for foodborne illness. In 2011, the CDC estimated that among cases where doctors knew what caused the illness, the most common pathogens associated with food poisoning were norovirus and Salmonella. Norovirus and Salmonella were also responsible for the most hospitalizations due to food poisoning. Other food poisoning germs include Botulism, Campylobacter, E. coli, Shigella, and Listeria.
These germs can be introduced during the production, processing or preparation of food. During production and processing, mistakes in how an animal is slaughtered can introduce bacteria like E. coli. Using contaminated water to wash or irrigate fruits and vegetables can also introduce foodborne germs. During preparation of food in a restaurant's kitchen, a cook that does not wash their hands can also introduce germs into food.
Not handling food properly can also increase the risk of food poisoning. If a restaurant employee does not refrigerate food, that can allow the germs to multiply and be more likely to cause illness. Undercooked food can also increase the risk of food poisoning, however, not all germs or their toxins that cause food poisoning can be killed by heat.
Which foods cause food poisoning?
Many foods can be responsible for food poisoning. According to the CDC, some more common foods involved in foodborne illness include:
- Raw or undercooked meat or poultry, like beef, chicken, or pork
- Filter-feeding shellfish, like clams, oysters, and shellfish
- Foods that combine products from many animals, like some ground beef
- Raw milk and raw eggs
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized fruit juice
- Raw sprouts, like alfalfa sprouts
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
48 million Americans will suffer from a foodborne illness each year. The Kishish Law Group can walk you through suing for food poisoning and determine whether you have a case. Call us today toll free at 1 (888) 402-5552 or use our contact form for a free and confidential case evaluation.
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