Food Poisoning and Food-Borne Illnesses

Americans are accustomed to trusting that when we go to a restaurant or a grocery store the food we are served and purchase will be safe. Inspections by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other government agencies help to ensure that food produced in this country and imported from other countries is free of contamination like salmonella, E. coli and other pathogens that may harm us.

The World Health Organization, however, reports in the United States of America around 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and around 5,000 deaths are estimated to occur each year (Fact Sheet No. 237, March 2007). When farmers, food distribution companies or food service workers make mistakes, there are often serious consequences for those who unknowingly consume the contaminated food.

In most cases, the effects of these illnesses result in flu-like symptoms and a few days of discomfort before clearing. However, food-borne illness can result in serious infections or even death, especially for people at high risk, including babies, young children, pregnant women (and their fetuses), elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

When a food-borne illness turns into a serious infection, people are left with long hospital stays, high medical bills, lost income, physical pain and other damages. People who suffer as a result of consuming contaminated food have a right to claim compensation for their losses and suffering.

At Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla & Sloane, LLP, we have experience and a record of success obtaining compensation and justice for victims of food poisoning. If you or your family has suffered from consuming food contaminated with salmonella, E. coli, or another harmful pathogen resulting in food poisoning you may have a claim under the law.

Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla & Sloane, LLP provides free consultations to evaluate your case. If we resolve to take action on your behalf, we will handle it on a contingency fee basis. This means that you will pay a fee only if you win, and that will come out of the verdict or settlement.

For a free initial consultation with a lawyer at Hillyard, Wahlberg, Kudla & Sloane, LLP, call 800-630-2366 or contact us online.