Is Food Poisoning Common?
Yes. There are an estimated 76 million cases of food poisoning in the U.S. each year. Of these, over 325,000 victims are hospitalized and over 5,000 cases are fatal. Most of the fatalities of food poisoning in the U.S. are children and the elderly. What Are Some Common Causes and Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
There are hundreds of bacteria and viruses that can cause food poisoning or food-borne illnesses: - Botulism – Symptoms include weakness, difficulty breathing, difficulty speaking, trouble with swallowing, double-vision, dizziness and constipation
- E-coli infection – Symptoms include diarrhea
- Salmonella – Symptoms include diarrhea and overall feeling of sickness
Can I Recover Damages for My Illness?
If you can prove that your illness was caused by a defective product, then you may be able to sue the seller of the product in a products liability action. You are not required to prove that the seller was negligent; rather the seller would be strictly liable for your injuries as long as you can show the following: - Your injuries were caused by the defective product; and
- The defect existed at the time the product left the seller’s control.
Do I Need a Lawyer Specializing in Food-borne Illnesses?
If you think that you have suffered food poisoning, seek immediate medical attention and then consult a products liability attorney. Food poisoning cases can be difficult to litigate because the chain of events leading up to the illness and causation are hard to establish. An experienced products liability lawyer can help you recover costs associated with the poisoning, such as lost wages and medical expenses. |
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