Food Poisoning Claims and Compensation
With the holidays right around the corner, many people’s plans focus on eating. Whether you cook for your family, go out for dinner, or enjoy doing a combination of both, food safety is an important consideration. Almost every month, there seems to be yet another report of food recalls or warnings in the news, with the potential to result in serious illnesses and injuries. While America’s food supply is one of the safest in the world, it is still important to be aware of the common types of food poisoning, as well as your options when it comes to food poisoning claims and compensation.
Food Borne Illnesses
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 45 million cases of food poisoning are reported each year throughout the country, resulting in as many as 128,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 3,000 deaths. Roughly one out of every six Americans suffers from food poisoning each year, often from foods that are purchased from grocery stores and restaurants. Common types of food borne illness include the following:
- Campylobacter, found in eating raw or undercooked poultry
- Botulism, found in improperly canned foods, as well as potatoes baked in foil
- Cyclophorus, found in different types of produce, such as lettuce, basil, and berries
- coli infection, found in foods contaminated with feces, often due to lack of handwashing
- Hemorrhagic colitis, found in undercooked meat, particularly hamburger
- Hepatitis, found in raw produce and foods contaminated by infected food handlers
- Listeria, found in ready to eat foods and deli meats
- Salmonella, found in eggs, milk, juice, and cheese
All of the above cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and may also be accompanied by fever, chills, cramping, and muscle pain. Duration for each illness can vary, with some lasting a matter of days to others with symptoms that recur intermittently for months after exposure. Children, older adults, and those with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems are likely to suffer the most serious effects. If you or a loved one are suffering from food poisoning, work with a lawyer to get the compensation you deserve for your claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222
Protect Yourself Against Food Poisoning
Taking a few simple steps to protect yourself and your loved ones can spare you from a potentially nasty illness:
- When dining out, always check the restaurants health department grade, which is usually posted somewhere near the front door way
- Eat at places that look clean and well-tended to, with servers whose outfits or uniforms look freshly washed
- Whether at fast food restaurants or fine dining establishment, look for food handlers that wear safety gloves
- At the grocery store, keep an eye out for expiration dates
- If buying ready-to-eat food, look for the time stamp to see how long they have sat under the heat lamp
- Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the latest information on food recalls and food poisoning outbreaks
When cooking at home, wash your hands, utensils, and counter services multiple times, limit the amount of time food sits out of the refrigerator, and use food timers and temperature thermometers to check for a proper cook.
Get Help With Your Food Poisoning Claims & Compensation
If you or someone you care about has suffered complications as the result of food poisoning, contact Anastopoulo Law Firm today for help with your claim. Our experienced personal attorneys can advise you on how to hold responsible parties accountable and assist you in getting the food poisoning compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
