Can You Sue for Food Poisoning?
November 21, 2019 | Personal Injury
Foodborne illnesses stem from cross-contamination and unsafe handling of food. If you contracted food poisoning after a trip to the grocery store or visiting a restaurant, you could be eligible to sue for food poisoning damages in Missouri if a direct link can be made between your condition and the contaminated product(s).
Common Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning generally comes on suddenly, within 24-48 hours after consumption of contaminated food. However, some cases of food poisoning can lay dormant for between 8 (E. Coli) to 28 days (Hepatitis A).
Most foodborne illnesses clear up with little to no treatment, but severe cases of food poisoning can cause severe dehydration. In its more advanced stages, dehydration can lead to physical and neurological damage, which can have irreversible side effects. At the first sign of any of the following symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention:
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or severe confusion
- Unexplained fatigue or exhaustion
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Profuse and unexplainable sweating or tremors
Approximately 420,000 people die every year in the U.S. as a result of undiagnosed or untreated foodborne illnesses caused by E. Coli, Norovirus, Salmonella, and other dangerous bacteria that can affect the gastrointestinal and neurological system.
Suing for Food Poisoning in Missouri
It can be challenging to prove that a foodborne illness was caused by a food distributor’s or restaurant’s carelessness, especially if symptoms didn’t present themselves immediately after consumption, but working with a St. Louis Food Poisoning Lawyer can help trace your food poisoning to a direct source and obtain evidence, such as a stool sample, receipts, and other proof to support your Missouri food poisoning claim.
In addition to gathering substantial evidence of your food poisoning injuries, your lawyer can help you navigate the Missouri injury claims process, defend your claim against the restaurant or food distributor’s insurance company, and negotiate a satisfactory settlement for your product liability suit. It’s essential to keep in mind that not every food poisoning claim in St. Louis is entitled to compensation, but with adequate personal injury legal representation, evidence, and a compelling demand letter, most food poisoning claims can recover compensation. Compensation for foodborne illness claims in Missouri typically includes compensation for medical expenses, mental or emotional distress, and loss of income.
St. Louis Food Poisoning Lawyers
If you think that you have food poisoning after dining out or consuming something from the grocery store, it’s essential to document your symptoms, get examined by a doctor, and file a foodborne illness claim with the FDA against the suspected at-fault party.
The FDA will conduct a foodborne illness investigation, and if signs of contamination are found, this can provide strong evidence to support your claim. However, filing a food poisoning report isn’t enough to recover full compensation for damages caused by food poisoning; it’s essential to hire a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer to handle the negotiations for your Missouri food poisoning settlement.
If you are struggling with sudden medical bills or pain and suffering as a result of food poisoning caused by another person or distributor’s negligence, the Dixon Injury Firm can help. Our St. Louis Food Poisoning Claim Lawyers are passionate about fighting for the rights of foodborne illness victims and recovering the maximum amount of compensation for Missouri personal injury claims. For more information on suing for food poisoning in Missouri, call (314) 208-2808 or contact the Dixon Injury Firm today for a free case review and consultation.