Foodborne illness, otherwise known as food poisoning, is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of personal injury cases. Many times, foodborne illness can cause serious internal injuries resulting in costly medical bills.
“Many people are unaware that they may be eligible to receive compensation if they are affected by foodborne illnesses,” said Thomas D. Bumgardner, Ballantyne-based personal injury lawyer. “If proper food-handling procedures were not followed, the organization serving the food is liable.”
What Is Foodborne Illness?
Food poisoning is caused by disease-causing microbes or pathogens that contaminate your food. This sickness is usually the result of incorrect handling of food: unwashed hands, improper food storage, proximity to animals etc. E. Coli and salmonella are both bacteria and are the leading cause of food contamination leading to foodborne illness. Less common causes are viruses, parasites and poisonous toxins.
Victims of foodborne illness often suffer from the following symptoms:
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Diarrhea / Bloody Stool
- Fever
- Cramps
- Headache
In 2012, Thomas D. Bumgardner witnessed the effects of the spread of E. coli first-hand:
Long Term Effects of Foodborne Illness
Kidney Failure – When bacteria destroys red blood cells, injury to the kidneys and other organs. This can lead to eventual kidney failure, otherwise known as Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). If a child contracts HUS, there can be serious life-long effects.
Chronic Arthritis – Certain infections caused by foodborne illness can cause pain in the victim’s joints, eyes and can even lead to painful urination. These effects can last years.
Nerve & Brain Damage – Certain infections can lead to meningitis (swelling of membrane surrounding the brain.) If a young child contracts this disease, it can lead to mental retardation, deafness, blindness, seizures and even paralysis.
Death – Approximately 3,000 foodborne illness related deaths happen each year in the United States. More vulnerable segments of the population, such as young children and the elderly, are more at-risk than adults.
Hire a Personal Injury Attorney With Experience
If you feel you may are the victim of foodborne illness due to the negligence of another person, you want legal representation from someone with experience in these types of cases. Personal injury lawyer, Thomas D. Bumgardner will utilize every legal avenue and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.
Let the Law Office of Thomas D. Bumgardner provide you with the justice that you and your family deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us at (704) 870-4779.