The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimate food poisoning affects 48 million people every year, with 128,000 cases requiring hospitalization and 3,000 fatal cases occurring. Food poisoning occurs when a chef, restauranteur, or manufacturer does not take the appropriate steps to make sure the food they provide meets the necessary quality and safety standards. Food poisoning can be severe enough to require time off from work and, in extreme cases, hospitalization may be required. Though countless Americans are poisoned every year, this is not a normal event – negligent parties must be held responsible for what you’ve had to endure. If you have experienced food poisoning and have suffered damages as a result, don’t hesitate to call our Mesa food poisoning attorneys. Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC is a family-oriented firm and is committed to helping our community in Mesa and throughout Arizona in their time of need through caring, strong representation.
Contact us online or at (480) 833-8800 today to get started on your case. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients and can pursue a better future for you when you call. What are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming food contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites, or food that has not been handled properly. Salmonella is the leading cause of estimated hospitalizations and deaths and is responsible for 28% of deaths. Salmonella is a common bacterial disease that impacts intestines through contaminated food, and in recent years has been linked to cucumbers, chicken, eggs, raw tuna, and many other foods.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headaches
- General weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Cold sweats.
In very severe cases, victims may want to seek compensation to cover pain and suffering, medical bills, and loss of income. However, lawsuits against restaurants, grocery stores, and food manufacturers are not easily won.
What to Do If You Have Food Poisoning
If you suspect you have food poisoning, there are a number of steps you must take to both protect your health and increase your chances of having a successful claim against those responsible. The number one priority is to seek medical attention as soon as possible so your doctor can run diagnostic tests to determine what kind of infection you have and treat it. It’s important to hold onto your medical records and receipts so a professional attorney can use them as evidence.
Documenting your case is extremely important. Make sure to write down everything you ate or drank in the last three or four days, if possible, as food poisoning can take days to develop. If you believe a certain food you still have made you sick, make sure it’s preserved so it can be tested. Having proof of purchase is also helpful.
Our attorneys can help you document your incident and file a report with your local health department, as these reports can help you learn if others have faced the same kinds of illnesses as you. When health departments collect similar reports, they may feel obligated to conduct a formal investigation.
Taking Legal Action
Proving a food poisoning case can be incredibly complex. While doctors are able to identify which bacteria, virus, or parasite invaded the body, there is no easy way to determine the source of the food poisoning. That is why you need an experienced food poisoning attorney on your side to help prove your claim. Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, PLC conducts a thorough investigation to pinpoint when and where the food poisoning occurred and to identify liable parties. Potentially liable parties in food poisoning cases are typically restaurants, suppliers, growers, processors, and food distributors.
Our lawyers can help you recover the typical damages that can be recovered in any other typical personal injury case, including medical expenses, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Hire the best food poisoning lawyers in Mesa to represent you during your food poisoning litigation.
You shouldn’t have to suffer more than you already have. Trust our Mesa food poisoning lawyers to secure the compensation you deserve and call (480) 833-8800 today for a free consultation in English or Spanish. 
