Oakland Foodborne Illness Attorneys
Food Poisoning Lawyers Oakland, CA
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates approximately 48 million people are annually infected with foodborne pathogens. While most cases of foodborne illness tend to be mild, the CDC reported 128,000 infections lead to hospitalization and another 3,000 die of foodborne illnesses. Food poisoning outbreaks occur when contaminated food is distributed to consumers. While food-handling businesses work with the Food and Drug Administration and issue recalls once they are aware of a possible contamination, too often, it is only after reports of illness have already been documented. If you have contracted a serious foodborne infection from contaminated food, our Oakland food poisoning attorneys can help you determine what your rights are in such a situation.
Foodborne Illness: a Public Health Issue
With an increase of industrial farming and international exchange of food, the threat of a foodborne illness has increased dramatically. As our food is increasingly produced by a smaller number of large producers, concerns for national and even international epidemics have become a genuine fear. Cases of foodborne illnesses have been increasing over the years, and while there are 31 known and identified pathogens, unidentified contaminants make up a larger percentage of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Food regulations and standards have been legislated in an effort to protect consumers from unsafe foods, when food-handling businesses neglect to meet them outbreaks occur threatening the public health.
Signs of Foodborne Illness
Although different types of contaminants exhibit different symptoms of an infection, some common symptoms of food poisoning include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramping. Most foodborne illnesses are resolved without requiring any medical intervention, and the symptoms typically clear within a couple of days. However, if your symptoms persist beyond 10 days or you begin to see additional symptoms including: bloody vomit, bloody bowel movements, a fever above 101.5 °F, muscle weakness, or extreme abdominal pain, contact a doctor immediately to prevent any possible complications and receive prompt treatment.
Types of Foodborne Pathogens
Of the known food contaminants, Salmonella, Toxoplasma, Listeria, and norovirus cause the most deaths. The leading cause of hospitalizations is also attributed to Salmonella, norovirus, and Toxoplasma, as well as Campylobacter. One of the most dangerous types of foodborne pathogen is Clostridium botulinum that causes the paralytic illness called botulism. All botulism infections are considered medical emergencies as it can lead to a life-threatening illness. When foodborne illnesses are caused by negligent food producing or processing businesses, they must be held accountable for the consequences of their action.
Seek Legal Representation
If you have become seriously ill, or lost a loved one, from contaminated food, you may be entitled to compensation for the medical fees, lost wages, funeral expense, and other losses pertaining to your foodborne illness. Contact our foodborne illness attorneys for a free consultation, our experienced attorneys have represented numerous foodborne illness victims and can help you recover the full compensation you deserve for your losses. Do not settle for anything less than you deserve, entrust your case to our experienced Oakland food poisoning attorneys.