Food Poisoning
At some point in life, nearly everyone will eat something disagreeable and will suffer from food poisoning. Although most cases of food poisoning are temporary, mild and easily treatable, others are severe and, at times, fatal. In most cases, the painful symptoms of food poisoning will develop within two days (48 hours) after consuming the contaminated food.
Causes of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning may develop as a result of consuming:
- bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, etc.)
- fungi
- parasites
- pesticides
- toxic substances (such as poisonous mushrooms, fish, etc.)
- viruses (Hepatitis A, rotavirus, etc.)
While some foods (and beverages) will naturally include one or more of the above toxic substances, properly cleaning and preparing food (for example, by cooking it) should remove any toxins. Inadequately cooking food, improperly storing or packaging it and improperly cleaning or prepping food can all cause food poisoning.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
In most cases, people won't know they have food poisoning until they start experiencing painful symptoms, which can start between 30 minutes and 48 hours after consuming a toxic substance. Regardless of when food poisoning symptoms arise, they usually involve some combination of:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- fever
- general inflammation
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
Keep in mind that two days after initially eating the toxic substance, less serious cases of food poisoning should clear themselves up and, consequently, not require medical treatment. However, see a doctor if:
- blood appears in vomit or stool
- fluids can't be kept down (because of vomiting and/or diarrhea)
- high fevers (above 101°F) persist
- prescription medications can't be taken as a result of food poisoning symptoms
- symptoms arose after recent travel abroad
- symptoms of jaundice arise (Jaundice symptoms include yellowed skin and/or eyes.)
- symptoms persist for more than two days, despite drinking large amounts of water
- you (or the patient) has a weakened immune system (due to age or the presence of an autoimmune disease, such as HIV)
Food Poisoning Lawsuits and Compensation
Once you recover from food poisoning, consult a personal injury lawyer to see if you are entitled to compensation. Whether the food poisoning resulted from improperly stored or cooked food or from the negligence of restaurant staff (or a food manufacturer), pursuing a food poisoning lawsuit can get you money for:
- medical bills
- necessary rehabilitation
- lost income
- any out-of-pocket expenses due to the food poisoning
- funeral costs (if a loved one has died as a result of food poisoning)
To learn more about your legal options, contact us today.
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