Niagara Falls, New York, Food Poisoning Injury Lawyers

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Veteran Attorneys Fight to Obtain the Best Possible Outcome for Victims Who Have Suffered from Food Poisoning in Niagara Falls, New York, Throughout Niagara County, and Beyond.

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 48 million Americans get sick every year because of pathogens and unspecified agents transmitted through food. Of these food poisoning victims, approximately 128,000 are hospitalized, and over 3,000 suffer fatalities. Foodborne illnesses do not discriminate and can harm anyone who eats contaminated food. However, certain groups, such as the elderly, those with suppressed immune systems, pregnant women, infants, and young children, are more vulnerable to suffering devastating consequences. While Niagara Falls, New York, is best known for its world-class pizza, the city is full of many great food choices. Regardless of whether you eat out at a fine dining restaurant, purchase lunch at a food truck, stop at a drive-thru, or buy food from Wegmans, everyone expects their food will be safe for consumption.

Suppose that you have been hospitalized or forced to miss work after consuming contaminated food. In that case, you should contact a highly experienced Niagara Falls, New York, food poisoning attorney. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team understands that suffering any type of foodborne illness can be an overwhelming ordeal. Our elite litigators will do everything possible to obtain reasonable compensation for all your damages. Jed Dietrich, Esq., has won more than $175 million in verdicts and settlements, including multi-million-dollar lawsuits against some of the nation’s biggest companies, to compensate his clients. Our lawyers are available now to schedule your complimentary consultation. Please call us at (716) 839-3939 or complete the online consultation form.

There are at least thirty-one pathogens that are known to cause food poisoning. The Dietrich Legal Team has witnessed the most catastrophic effects from the following pathogens:

1. Salmonella: Salmonella infection, also referred to as salmonellosis, is a prevalent bacterial disease that affects the victim’s intestinal tract. There are over 2,300 known strains of this bacteria, which live in the intestines of both humans and animals. Victims become infected with salmonella through contaminated food, such as beef, eggs, pork, and dairy products. Symptoms of the disease typically include fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea within 72 hours of exposure.
2. Botulism: This foodborne illness is caused by a toxin released by a common bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The bacteria are transmitted through contact with tainted soil, food, and open wounds. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of all victims that become infected with botulism die. Symptoms of foodborne botulism often include double or blurred vision, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, problems swallowing, and slurred speech. These symptoms can begin to appear within 6 hours or up until 10 days after exposure.
3. E. Coli: Escherichia coli bacteria are found in the intestines of most healthy people and animals. While most types of these bacteria are harmless, some strains are notorious for causing bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, and vomiting. Victims are usually exposed to E. coli from contaminated food, especially fresh vegetables, and undercooked ground beef. Additionally, the bacteria can be passed on from person-to-person contact. Symptoms of severe strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, typically commence within 3 or 4 days after exposure.
4. Hepatitis A: The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is to blame for this extremely infectious liver disease. Victims can contract the virus from being in close contact with infected people or from contaminated food and water. Symptoms of hepatitis A usually appear within a few weeks and may include fever, pain in joints, severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, dark-colored urine, and yellowing of the skin. More severe cases of HAV often affect the functioning of the liver and lead to severe symptoms that can last for several months.
5. Listeria: This foodborne illness is caused by eating food that is tainted with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every year 1,600 victims suffer from listeria, and approximately 260 of those people die. Symptoms of Listeria include stomach aches, headaches, loss of balance, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Listeria outbreaks have been linked to melons, raw bean sprouts, luncheon meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and smoked fish.

Next time you are planning to go out to eat, it is imperative to choose a restaurant or café that makes food safety a priority. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned team recommends the following to protect yourself from foodborne illnesses next time you eat out:

1. Check Health Inspection Reports: Every establishment that serves food in Niagara County is inspected by the county Health Department at least once per year. Restaurants receive violations for any serious issues that could result in foodborne illness. While exemplary establishments do not receive a rating, violations are frequently given for problems involving sanitation, cleanliness, and maintenance.
2. Look for Food Safety Training Certificates: Adequate food safety training can contribute to better practices that lower the risk of spreading foodborne germs and bacteria.
3. Pay Attention to Food-Handling Practices: If you can see the restaurant’s cooks preparing food, check to ensure employees are wearing gloves and using utensils to handle the food.
4. Avoid Lukewarm Dishes: Bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses can rapidly reproduce when food is between 40°F and 140°F. Thus, hot food should be served hot and cold food is supposed to be served chilled. If you are grabbing food at a salad bar or buffet, ensure the hot food is steaming and vice versa.
5. Order Cooked Foods: Certain meats, such as pork, chicken, and turkey, need to be cooked to high enough temperatures to kill harmful bacteria. If the eatery serves you undercooked meat, you should send it back.
6. Question Your Server: Ask your waiter if they use pasteurized eggs and dairy products. Unpasteurized and raw food, such as ice cream, juice, and fermented beverages, can make you sick.
7. Wash Your Hands: Always thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before eating to kill the germs.
8. Refrigerate Leftovers: Refrigerate your leftovers within 2 hours of when the food was prepared. If you do not finish all leftovers within 3 to 4 days, throw them out.

While the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s leading lawyers hope that our advice will keep you safe, some foodborne illnesses are unavoidable. Regardless of the circumstances that led you to suffer food poisoning, we strongly encourage you to contact us. The Dietrich Legal Team’s highly qualified attorney offers free case evaluations and would be honored to discuss your potential claim further. Our veteran litigators are available 24/7 by dialing (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Niagara Falls, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!