Food Poisoning and Foodborne Illness Attorney in NYC
Some people think that a round of food poisoning or foodborne illness means a few hours of stomach discomfort and bathroom time. That isn’t always the case. It can cause a host of significant symptoms and medical complications that can change a person’s life. Food poisoning can also be fatal, especially in children, elderly adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
At Harford, P.C., we take food poisoning cases seriously and aggressively advocate for foodborne illness victims. Founding attorney Scott A. Harford is a former attorney for big insurers and Fortune 500 corporations. With insider knowledge of the insurance industry and major corporations, he knows how to craft personalized, strategic, and effective legal claims designed to recover maximum compensation for his clients.
Have you been the victim of food poisoning? Turn to Harford, P.C., for a free, no-obligation consultation and case review with a New York City food poisoning lawyer. You’ll learn more about your legal options for seeking compensation for medical expenses and other financial losses.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Your Food Poisoning Claim
Seeking compensation for a food poisoning claim can be challenging. Insurers and other parties may attempt to use every strategy they can to demonstrate that you became sick from some other source. They’ll do everything possible to avoid payouts wherever possible and maximize their profit margins for shareholders.
So, how do you begin to fight a significant insurer, restaurant group, or food manufacturer? The answer is to hire an experienced New York City food poisoning attorney.
At Harford, P.C., our legal team will passionately advocate for you and build a claim that offers you the best chance of recovering the money you need. We help our clients by:
- Thoroughly investigating the cause of the food poisoning outbreak
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Managing communication between you and other involved parties
- Gathering and preserving crucial evidence
- Building a solid food poisoning claim
- Negotiating for maximum compensation on your behalf
- Preparing a case for court when necessary
There are numerous benefits to hiring an attorney to help you navigate a food poisoning claim. You don’t have to compete against a tenacious insurer or large corporation alone; instead, you can rest and recover from your illness. A seasoned New York food poisoning lawyer from Harford, P.C., will be working to resolve your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve to cover your medical expenses and other financial losses.
What Steps Should You Take If You Suspect Food Poisoning in New York?
Did you know that after a food poisoning incident in New York, there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and increase the strength of a potential food poisoning claim? If you suspect you became ill because of food poisoning or foodborne illness, you should do the following:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Have you started to exhibit the classic signs of food poisoning? Do not wait it out. You need to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Yes, food poisoning is uncomfortable for many people, but it passes. However, it can be deadly and may cause significant medical complications. Your medical records documenting the food poisoning incident are vital to your claim.
- If Possible, Save The Food – It is not always possible, but if you suspect you know the source of the food poisoning or foodborne illness, wrap the item securely, label it, and freeze it. The item could help medical professionals diagnose your illness or trace the course of the pathogens involved. Also, keep all the original packing, including identifying information like batch and manufacturing data.
- Report the Incident – If you believe a local restaurant is the source of your recent food poisoning incident, contact 311 to reach non-emergency government service or the New York Health Department.
- Contact an Attorney – Reach out to a food poisoning lawyer in New York City to discuss the situation and your options for pursuing compensation.
- Avoid Social Media – Do not call out the restaurant, store, or manufacturer online or discuss your illness on social media platforms. Refrain from posting anything online until your attorney resolves your claim.
What Compensation Could You Recover in a New York Food Poisoning Claim?
If an insurer or other party approaches you about settling your claim, avoid accepting any money until you’ve spoken with an experienced New York food poisoning attorney. The value of a food poisoning claim can vary depending on the circumstances of the incident and the severity of your illness. An attorney can review your unique situation and calculate the fair value of your claim before negotiating for maximum compensation on your behalf.
The overall value of food poisoning compensation in New York depends on the circumstances of the case. But food poisoning victims can generally attempt to collect money for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
If food poisoning or foodborne illness causes the death of a loved one, talk to your attorney about the potential for pursuing compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit.
Who Could Be Held Liable for Food Poisoning in NYC?
One of the complications of pursuing a food poisoning lawsuit or insurance claim is determining liability for the incident. Today, our food passes through numerous hands before it gets to our tables. Identifying those responsible for contamination and food poisoning is challenging because food mishandling can occur at numerous stages of the cultivation, packaging, cleaning, prepping, and handling process.
More than one party may bear food poisoning liability in New York City, including the following:
- Growers
- Farmers
- Vendors
- Distributors
- Manufacturers
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Food prep workers
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Restaurant owners
What Are Common Causes of Foodborne Illnesses?
Food poisoning or foodborne illnesses occur when an individual eats food contaminated with toxic organisms. Specific bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, as well as the byproducts they produce, can all cause foodborne illness. The New York Health Department estimates that thousands of NYC residents become sick annually after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
Foodborne illness can be transmitted and spread by:
- Not washing hands before preparing food
- Not cooking foods to a safe internal temperature
- Not storing foods at proper temperatures
- Improperly freezing or refrigerating foods
- Handling foods in unsanitary ways
- Improperly cleaning or disinfecting kitchen tools and surfaces
- Poor employee health and hygiene
- Using food from contaminated or unsafe sources
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides helpful guidelines dictating safe food handling strategies.
What Types of Contamination Can Be Found in Foods?
Causes of food and drink contamination include several types of bacteria and pathogens. Some of the most common contaminants that can lead to food poisoning and foodborne illnesses include:
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium perfringens
- Clostridium botulinum
- Listeria
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Escherichia coli or E. coli
- Norovirus
- Cholera
- Cyclosporiasis
- Yersiniosis
- Hepatitis A
- Shigella
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
Unfortunately, diagnosing foodborne illnesses and food poisoning can be challenging because the symptoms closely mirror other illnesses and intestinal conditions like the flu. In addition, food poisoning does not immediately occur after consuming contaminated food and drinks; it can take one to three days before the signs of food poisoning emerge.
Some of the more common symptoms and signs of food poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue or weakness
While most people only need time and rest to recover, others may require extensive medical treatment such as IV fluids and antibiotics. If you suspect food poisoning, always seek a diagnosis and treatment from a medical professional immediately.
How Long Do You Have to File a Food Poisoning Lawsuit in New York?
A food poisoning case falls into the realm of personal injury lawsuits. New York law gives a person three years from the incident date to file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation.
The filing deadline demands prompt action. If you miss it, the court can dismiss your case. This means you lose your leverage against the insurer or at-fault party and the ability to recover maximum compensation for your financial losses in court. That’s why it’s best to contact a New York city foodborne illness attorney as soon as possible to start the legal process.
What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from Food Poisoning?
Unfortunately, short-term intestinal distress and discomfort are not the only complications that can result from a food poisoning incident. Foodborne illnesses can lead to significant and even deadly medical complications and injuries, some of which include:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Kidney damage
- Brain damage
- Liver damage
- Nervous system damage
- Arthritis and joint damage
- Death
Parasites, bacteria, and other pathogens can cause infections and devastating damage to the body and internal organs, especially in children, elderly adults, and those with a compromised immune system. Some pathogens can even cause significant neurological disorders to develop, like Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Contact a Food Poisoning and Foodborne Illness Attorney in New York Today
Food poisoning can do more than give you a few days of discomfort. The long-term complications from food poisoning and foodborne illnesses can change your life. You deserve fair compensation for the illness you suffered and your related financial losses.
Let the seasoned team at Harford, P.C., help you during this challenging time. Our New York City food poisoning lawyers will fight for you, advocating for your best interests and pursuing maximum compensation for your medical expenses.
Do you suspect you’ve fallen victim to food poisoning in New York City? Contact Harford, P.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the specifics of your situation.
