Food related illnesses are unfortunately very common. These diseases lead to thousands of deaths every year and the main cause behind such illnesses is sometimes human negligence. In case of such an illness, if you can prove that it was caused by a contaminated food product, you may be able to file a claim against the business preparing or selling the product.
Major Causes of Foodborne Illnesses
According to estimates, almost 1 person in 10 in the world falls sick from contaminated food, resulting in a loss of 33 million healthy life years or 420 000 individuals and children under 5 years of age are primary victims. In fact, they make up 40% of the entire foodborne illnesses each year. Illness rates are also relatively higher in special food services. Food related illnesses can quickly develop into serious conditions with various complications and may even lead to death.
The primary cause of foodborne illnesses is eating contaminated food. Main causes revolve around contamination of food during processing, distribution, or preparation and most of the time, such cases could be prevented. The types of food hazards include the following:
- Botulism
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Hepatitis A
- Norovirus
- coli, and more
Symptoms
Each case is unique and every food virus, bacteria, or pathogen can affect a person differently. But generally, the symptoms of foodborne illness include the following:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating
- Dehydration
- Sweating and fever
- Weakness and muscle pains
- Diarrhea and discolored stools
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek medical care in a timely manner.
Proving a Foodborne Illness Claim
It is not easy to prove a foodborne illness claim. This is because food is distributed in large supply chain. Generally, there are three key elements you must prove in your claim with the help of your attorney:
- Contaminated Food Course: Start by locating the source of food that made you fall sick.
- Proving Contamination: Once you have found the source, you must prove that it was harmful for human consumption.
- Contamination Led to Your Illness and Financial Loss: To prove that your illness was caused by contamination, you must seek medical care immediately. Lab tests can be crucial in meeting your burden of proof in such a case.
Compensation for Foodborne Illness Claims
Foodborne illnesses can be caused by a number of reasons but a majority of them often occur due to human negligence. In terms of compensation, you may receive:
- Medical costs related to the incident
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages against the business/people responsible
- Loss of income
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Personal Injury Attorneys located in Fairfax and licensed to practice in Virginia, Maryland and in the District of Columbia
Foodborne illnesses should not be ignored. If you or your loved one has suffered foodborne illness due to the negligence of a business selling or preparing the food product, seek medical attention and contact a qualified attorney at Hilton & Somer, LLC. Our personal injury attorneys have years of experience handling cases that involve foodborne illness. We can provide the guidance you need via a free initial consultation. Schedule one today by using our online contact form or calling (703) 560-0700.
References
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/food-safety
