Food poisoning affects about 48 million people in the United States each year. Many of these cases arise from restaurant negligence involving improper food storage, improper sanitation, improper preparation and cooking methods, and contaminated produce. Unfortunately, about 3,000 die from foodborne illness.
Common bacterial causes of food poisoning include:
- Listeria
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Clostridium
- E.coli
- Campylobacter
If you have become seriously ill after eating contaminated food, you may be wondering whether you have a right to seek compensation, or whether it is worth the effort at all. Here’s what you should know about food poisoning claims:
- Restaurants, food manufacturers, retailers, treatment facilities, and other commercial food businesses are legally obligated to exercise reasonable care when handling food to sell to consumers. If they produce or serve contaminated food, they may be held liable for any injuries that result.
- Your ability to claim compensation will largely depend on the severity of your symptoms and the duration of your illness. If your illness lasted only a couple of days and you didn’t need medical treatment, you probably don’t have a strong case. However, if you suffered severe symptoms and suffered permanent damage to your immune system or an internal organ, you may have a very strong case and should get in touch with a lawyer immediately.
- Evidence is key to a successful claim. Without it, there will be no way to prove that the food handler or restaurant is responsible for your illness. Good sources of evidence include receipts, food packaging, statements from people working at the establishment where the food was served, and copies of medical records and other expenses related to your illness.
If you believe you have a claim for food poisoning, contact Shoop | A Professional Law Corporation to discuss your potential case with a Los Angeles food poisoning attorney. Backed by over 35 years of experience, we aggressively prosecute food poisoning cases in pursuit of maximum compensation for our clients. Call (866) 884-1717 today to learn more about your rights!
