In our busy world, more people than ever before are opting to eat out to for the convenience and social aspects, but each time you do so, you depend on the cooks, restaurant staff and fast food joint employees to prepare your food properly. If your food is not cooked the way it should be, you can get sick as a result. In fact, 128,000 people are sent to the hospital due to eating contaminated food each year, and bacteria, viruses and parasites are the most common types of food poisoning.
Rhode Island food poisoning attorney
Rhode Island food poisoning attorney
If you have recently gotten sick after eating a meal, then you might be wondering what to do so that you can pay for your hospital bills and be compensated for your pain and suffering. If you were injured in a food poisoning incident in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, you have several legal options. The starting point is retaining one of the best Rhode Island personal injury attorneys who is also a RI food poisoning lawyer. A high powered big time Providence food poisoning attorney or Rhode Island food poisoning attorney will hold the negligent restaurateur, fast food restaurant or supermarket accountable for their actions and get the injured victims the justice they deserve.
Hospitalization and sickness from food poisoning
“CDC estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. Estimating illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths for various types of diseases is a common and important public health practice.” CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Most people turn to their health insurance company when they need help paying for a medical expenses related to food poisoning. Using your insurance can go a long way, but it is not always enough on its own. In a lot of cases, you are still required to pay a deductible before your insurance company even considers helping you with the rest of your medical fees. Many people are shocked and disappointed to discover that their policy won’t help them pay for the treatment that they need.
Food poisoning can potentially lead to severe illness
Food poisoning can potentially lead to severe illness and, in rare cases, death. However, it’s essential to note that death from food poisoning is relatively uncommon, and most cases of food poisoning result in mild to moderate symptoms that resolve on their own. There are several types of food poisoning, with some being more severe than others. Here are a few common types of food poisoning that can, in extreme cases, lead to death:
- Salmonella: Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover without specific treatment, severe cases can lead to dehydration and, in rare instances, death, especially in vulnerable populations like the very young, elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Listeria: Listeria is another bacterial infection that can lead to food poisoning. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are most at risk. In severe cases, it can lead to septicemia or meningitis and may be fatal.
- Botulism: Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can result from improperly canned or preserved foods. Botulism can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially death if not treated quickly.
- E. coli: Certain strains of E. coli can cause severe food poisoning, leading to symptoms like bloody diarrhea and kidney failure. While death from E. coli infection is rare, it can occur, particularly in cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).
- Vibrio vulnificus: This bacterium can cause severe food poisoning, primarily from eating contaminated seafood. In some cases, the infection can lead to severe wound infections and septicemia, which can be life-threatening, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
- Campylobacter: Campylobacter infection can lead to diarrhea, cramps, and fever. In severe cases, complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome can develop, which can lead to paralysis or even death.
Risk of death from food poisoning is relatively low
It’s crucial to understand that the risk of death from food poisoning is relatively low, especially in healthy individuals. Most cases of food poisoning can be effectively managed with rest, hydration, and supportive care. However, people with compromised immune systems, the very young, the elderly, and pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness and should seek medical attention if they suspect they have food poisoning. Additionally, practicing food safety, such as proper food handling and cooking, can reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Top Rhode Island food poisoning lawyer
If cooks don’t live up to their responsibility to prepare and serve food in a safe way, then you might be entitled to compensation. A Providence Superior Court personal injury claim results when an individual’s negligence or carelessness results in harm or injury to another person. If you win your case, then the money can be used to fill the gaps in your health insurance policy and to prevent you from paying for your medical bills upfront. You could also be eligible to receive compensation for any emotional stres, pain and suffering and trauma that resulted from your sickness.
“Bacteria and viruses are the most common cause of food poisoning. The symptoms and severity of food poisoning vary, depending on which bacteria or virus has contaminated the food.The bacteria and viruses that cause the most illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States are:
Salmonella
Norovirus (Norwalk Virus)
Campylobacter
E. coli
Listeria
Clostridium perfringens” Bacteria and Viruses Foodsafety.gov
Food poisoning attorney
When you are ready to get the justice that you deserve, it’s important to know which steps to take. First, document as much information as you can about the incident, including dates, times and possible witnesses. Do your best to find out if anyone else got sick when you did and collect their contact details. Looking up reviews for the restaurant in questions is also helpful, and any past complaints about food poisoning could be used to strengthen your case. But you can only do so much on your own. If you want to enjoy the best possible odds of obtaining your desired outcome, then you must enlist the services of an experienced Rhode Island personal injury law.
Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.