Each week, we hear about numerous food recalls. Whether it be fresh produce or packaged goods, the FDA is busy protecting consumers by making sure the food that is in our grocery stores and later on our shelves in safe for human consumption. Often, the manufacturer of the product voluntarily recalls the food item after becoming aware of any potential side effects associated with ingesting the food, such as salmonella poisoning. Other times, the manufacturer does not recall the product, or before they have a chance to, you or a loved one eats the food item and falls sick. What are your legal rights in such a situation?
Salmonella poisoning is more common than you might think. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are about 1.4 million cases of salmonella food poisoning across the county each year, with only 40,000 of those cases actually reported. The reports also show that of all the types of food poisoning, salmonella poisoning leads to the highest rate of hospitalizations. If you fell ill with salmonella, or another type of food poisoning, after eating a food item you purchased in a Los Angeles grocery store, contact an experienced food recall lawyer immediately.
Common symptoms of salmonella infection include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal cramps or pain
- diarrhea
- fever
- chills
- muscle pains. I
If the salmonella strain you or a loved one acquired is resistant to medication, serious long-term health complications or even death could result. Salmonella usually affects the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems and symptoms may surface between 12 and 72 hours after the infection. If you or a family member have ingested a recalled food item and are exhibiting these or similar symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.
Food poisoning can be a serious matter. If your salmonella or food poisoning case occurred as result of a manufacturer’s or producer’s negligence, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. In instances like this, injured victims, can work with a skilled Los Angeles food recall lawyer to seek damages to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. As a side note, if you have been sickened by contaminated food, save the food and have it tested in a lab for the source of contamination. Victims should file a report with their local health care agency.
For more information on food safety and food recalls, call the experienced doctor and lawyer Bradley I. Kramer, MD, Esq. today. He understands the law and your medical injuries and will give you the time, dedication, and help your case deserves.