What is a Foodborne Illness?

What are the Pathogens of Foodborne Illnesses?

What are Common Causes of Foodborne Illnesses?

What are Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses?

What to Do If You Think You Have Food Poisoning?

How to Avoid Food Poisoning?

Why You Need a Foodborne Illness Attorney?

Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness. Although typical symptoms may not be life threatening, depending on the source, some people may experience life long effects from food poisoning such as nervous system damage, kidney failure or even death. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there are 76 million cases of food poisoning in the United States each year. Of these cases, approximately 300,000 people will be hospitalized and 5,000 people will die. Food poisoning or foodborne illnesses can be very complicated and costly. Salmonella alone causes roughly $1 billion in medical costs and lost wages. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of food poisoning or a foodborne illness, you are entitled to compensation. Please contact d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C. at 1-800-992-6878. Please CLICK HERE for a free consultation.

What is a Foodborne Illness?

A foodborne illness is any disease or illness resulting from the consumption of food. Foodborne illnesses are often called food poisoning. However, bacteria, viruses or parasites that contaminate food, rather than natural or chemical poisons or toxins cause most illnesses. There are generally two types of agents that cause food poisoning, infective agents and toxic agents. Infective agents include bacteria, parasites and viruses. Toxic agents include improperly prepared exotic food, poisonous seafood, poisonous mushrooms, pesticides and chemicals.

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.

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What are the Pathogens of Foodborne Illnesses?

There are many pathogens of foodborne illnesses. A pathogen is a germ, which causes illness or disease. Not all pathogens of foodborne illnesses are known. Unknown agents cause 60% of food related illnesses. The other 40% are caused by one of the known 250 bacteria, viruses and toxins. They include:

Many different people may be responsible for the food contamination, which is caused by these pathogens. Those responsible may include food producers, food manufacturers, food retailers (ex: grocery stores), restaurants and other places were food is prepared, stored, sold or served. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.

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What are the Common Causes of Foodborne Illnesses?

There are many causes of food poisoning. Typically humans are the ones who contaminate the food with bacteria and viruses. As the amount of bacteria in the food increases, the number of toxins also increases, making the food more toxic. The most common ways bacteria and viruses get into food is:

There can be many substances in the food you eat that can make you sick. The most common source of food poisoning is bacteria. All foods contain small amounts of bacteria but improper handling, cooking, or storage of food can make bacteria grow to be large enough to cause illness.

If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.

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What are the Symptoms of Foodborne Illnesses?

Symptoms of foodborne illnesses normally appear 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. However, symptoms can occur only 30 minutes after ingesting contaminated food. Symptoms vary depending on the type of food poisoning involved. Symptoms can be very minor or quite serious. Common symptoms include:

Foodborne illnesses are more severe for specific groups of people, such as, the elderly, young children, people with compromised immune systems (ex: HIV/AIDS), people with a serious medical condition (ex: diabetes or kidney disease) and pregnant women. Some food poisoning and food illnesses can be transmitted to the fetus in-utero. Normally most people can recover from foodborne illnesses, without medical treatment, in 2-5 days. However, more serious foodborne illnesses will require medical treatment. Serious foodborne illnesses can cause:

If you are seriously injured as a result of foodborne illnesses you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.

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What to Do If You Think You Have Food Poisoning?

1. Save the food, if any is left, for future analysis.
2. Call your doctor and get treatment immediately.
3. Ask your doctor to file a report with the Health Department.
4. Write down everything your doctor says.
5. Write down what you have eaten and where you ate it.
6. Contact d’Oliveira and Associates at 1-800-992-6878 for a free case evaluation.

How to Avoid Food Poisoning: Food Safety Tips

At the Supermarket:

1. Do not purchase any jars or cans that are broken, cracked, bulging or have loose lids.
2. Do not purchase any packages or boxes that are ripped, open or torn.
3. Select frozen foods and perishables last. Bag these groceries separately to avoid any contamination.
4. Take an ice chest or cooler to keep frozen and perishables goods cold if it will take more than an hour to get your groceries home.

At Home:

1. Always put away perishables and frozen food promptly.
2. Follow the instructions on the food label for the best place to store it.
3. Store food at the proper temperature, which is listed on the food label.
4. Throw out any food, which is past the expiration date, smells or looks suspicious or has any mold.

Food Preparation:

1. Always wash your hands with soap and water whenever preparing food. In addition, always wash hands with soap and water again after handling raw fish, meat or poultry
2. Always wash fresh fruit and vegetables before consuming.
3. Try to designate cutting boards and use one for fruits, vegetables and bread and use another for meats, poultry and fish.
4. Use clean utensils and wash them between cutting different foods.
5. Always clean and sanitize surfaces, which come into contact with food.

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Why You Need a Foodborne Illness Attorney:

Foodborne illnesses can be serious and life threatening. You need an attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve. If you are seriously injured as a result of foodborne illnesses you are entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you believe that you or a loved one have been the victim of food poisoning you need a law firm that can handle these cases. If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

To fill out a confidential form, CLICK HERE.