Los Angeles Food Poisoning Lawyers

Food poisoning occurs when an individual is sickened by spoiled or contaminated food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, one in six Americans or 48 million people, get sick as a result of food poisoning and 3,000 die as a result of foodborne illnesses. As a result of this staggering statistic, it is often necessary to contact a food poisoning lawyer to ensure reparations are paid. CDC officials estimate that reducing foodborne illnesses by just 10 percent would keep 5 million Americans from getting sick each year. Also, preventing a single fatal case of E. coli infection would save an estimated $7 million.

Common Types of Food Poisoning

Here are some of the most common types of food-borne illnesses that sicken millions of Americans every year:

• Campylobacter enteritis: This is one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses that is spread through improperly slaughtered or processed meat that is not properly cooked. You can also get it from consuming contaminated vegetables, milk or water. Common symptoms include fever, aches, pains and an upset stomach.
• E. Coli: These bacteria are found in mass-processed ground beef and on leafy vegetables such as lettuce or spinach that were improperly cleaned or contaminated. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, stomach ache and nausea. E. coli can also result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney damage. Click here to read more on E. Coli.
• Salmonella poisoning: Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after the infection. The illness lasts four to seven days. Sometimes, the diarrhea can be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Click here to read more on Salmonella poisoning.
• Listeria: Listeriosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by eating contaminated food such as fruits, meats and cheeses. The disease primarily affects the elderly, newborns, pregnant woman and those with weakened immune systems. Click here to learn more about Listeria.
• Hepatitis A: This is a viral infection that affects the liver. It is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter. Hepatitis A is often spread through food handled by someone who has not washed his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom. Click here to learn more about Hepatitis A.
• Norovirus: This viral infection can be transmitted through food, water or other infected persona. The virus causes your stomach and/or intestines to get inflamed. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain.

Protecting Your Rights

Food manufacturers, processors and suppliers can be held liable for illnesses caused by their products. Restaurants whose employees are negligent while preparing, storing or serving food can also be held liable. Victims in food poisoning cases can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, diagnostic costs, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Because these business entities are often difficult to personally deal with, a food poisoning lawyer may be necessary.

The experienced California food poisoning attorneys at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP have a long and successful track record of handling these types of cases and helping victims secure fair compensation for their losses. We believe that negligent food producers and establishments that serve contaminated food must be held accountable. If you or a loved one has suffered the consequences of a food-borne illness, please contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP at 800.877.1700 for a free consultation and case evaluation.