Food poisoning and personal injury lawsuits

Food poisoning: should you sue

When people set foot in a restaurant, canteen, or fast food establishment, they have a reasonable expectation that the food served to them will be clean, properly prepared and free from harmful viruses or bacteria. When contaminated food is served to a person, the results can vary from minor sickness and nausea to severe illness and injury. Nevertheless, food poisoning is a serious matter and should be avoided at all costs.

Food poisoning occurs when infectious or toxic agents are introduced into articles of food which are then consumed by humans. Infectious agents often contain viruses, parasites or bacteria, whereas toxic substances are often poisons or hazards that may arise in exotic or improperly prepared food.

Common symptoms often include:

·         Nausea
·         Vomiting
·         Fever
·         Chills
·         Diarrhoea
·         Abdominal cramps

Although the symptoms can be mild and often passes within 24-48 hours, it is important to contact the physician if symptoms do not persist or worsen with time. Improperly handled foods can sometimes cause serious issues that may require hospitalization.

Restaurant owners and employees should take precautions to protect their customers and guests at all times. Food preparation and cooking surfaces should be kept clean at all times, and kitchen should be free from pollution and hazardous materials. Restaurant owners should ensure that all employees have undergone adequate food preparation courses and know the proper cooking procedures for each object in the menu.

Restaurant employees are the first line of defense against food-borne diseases and should ensure that all items that are served have been handled properly from beginning to end. If employees are careless with diet or if they include intentionally harmful ingredients in the food, the restaurant can be held responsible for damage of patron.

It is important to note that not all cases deserve trials against restaurant owners. Food poisoning symptoms can be mild and may not last more than one or two days. Because of this, it cannot be worth that legal action that could ultimately cost more than resolving possibly could be.

If the contaminated food has caused serious harm to an individual, or if the food was intentionally contaminated by staff of the establishment, it may be worthwhile to legal action for damage and suffering. For more information about food poisoning and injury lawsuits, visit the Lake Geneva personal injury lawyers Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C.