Personal Injury Lawyer

When we eat a meal at a restaurant or purchase food at a grocery store, we expect that the food we are purchasing is safe to eat, especially given the amount of government regulation and oversight that is supposed to be in place. But it seems that we are barraged on a daily basis through the news media with announcements of recall after recall of contaminated and unsafe food that often results in the serious illness – and even death – of consumers.

According to national statistics, there are approximately 48 million people that become ill because of food contamination every year, resulting in the hospitalization of almost 130,000 victims. Food poisoning kills 3,000 people each year in the U.S.

If you or a family member has suffered an illness or injury because of food contamination, a personal injury lawyer can explain what legal options you may have.

Types of Food Poisoning

Although there is a myriad of food contamination illnesses, some of the most common include:

• Botulism is found in improperly canned foods. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 72 hours of consumption and include diarrhea, vomiting, blurred or double vision, difficulty swallowing, and weak muscles. Botulism can result in respiratory infections and even death.
• E. coli is found in food or water that has been contaminated with human feces. Symptoms usually appear within one to three days of consumption and include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
• Hepatitis is found in uncooked foods or raw produce, and foods handled by someone who is infected. It can also contaminate drinking water. Symptoms usually appear within 15 to 50 days of consumption and include diarrhea, fever, nausea, headache, and jaundice.
• Norovirus is found in uncooked foods, raw produce, and contaminated water.  It can also be found in foods not reheated after contact with an infected food handler. Symptoms usually appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure and include headaches, fever, and nausea. Children usually suffer from vomiting while adults typically suffer from diarrhea.
• Salmonella is found in eggs, cheese, raw fruits and vegetables, meat, and unpasteurized milk. Symptoms usually appear within six to 48 hours of consumption and include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting.
• Staphylococcal (staph) food poisoning is found in unrefrigerated egg salad, potato salad, and meats. Symptoms usually appear within one to six hours after consumption and include severe nausea and sudden onset of vomiting. Victims also can suffer with diarrhea and fever.

Contact a Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you have suffered a serious illness after eating contaminated foods, you may be entitled to compensation from the parties who were responsible. To learn more, call an experienced attorney, like an Elk Grove, IL personal injury lawyer from a law firm like Therman Law Offices, LTD.