Roughly one-in-six Americans suffer from food poisoning each year. Foodborne illnesses are often caused by the consumption of contaminated food products. According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), More than 5,000 people in the country are killed every year by foodborne diseases. A further 300,000 are hospitalized. With such worrying statistics, many don’t realize that they can seek restitution for the negligence of a restaurant that caused them to fall ill. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Can I sue for food poisoning?”, here’s your answer.
Common Foodborne Bacteria and Microbes
Some of the most common foodborne diseases reported to the NJDOH include:
- Campylobacteriosis
- Cyclosporiasis
- E. coli
- Hepatitis A
- Listeriosis
- Salmonellosis
- Shigellosis
- Vibriosis
Common Ways You Can Catch Foodborne Illness
- Unclean cooking utensils were used in the making of your food.
- A cook with unclean hands prepared your food.
- Meat you were served was undercooked.
- The food you were served was stored at an inappropriate temperature, leading to spoil.
- Contamination in the water used in the preparation of your food.
Food Poisoning Liability in New Jersey
In the State of New Jersey, foodborne illnesses fall under product liability law. As a food poisoning claim can be subject to strict liability law, the plaintiff must simply prove that the food they were served was “unreasonably dangerous”. This means that the establishment (be it a bar, restaurant, social club, or other venues) can be held financially liable for any sickness you suffer from poorly prepared food, as well as any other relevant damages.
Proving Your Food Poisoning Claim
In order to prove your food poising claim in the State of New Jersey, you generally must be able to prove that the food was contaminated and that it made you unwell. The delay in time between consuming the food in question and becoming ill is the largest hurdle to proving a food poisoning claim, as you need to be able to pinpoint exactly which food caused your foodborne illness
As soon as you begin showing signs of food poising, it is essential that you visit a doctor immediately so that your symptoms can be carefully checked and documented. Medical tests can also help identify the exact bacteria and microbes which are present in your body, which can assist you to prove the exact source of your illness
Contact DeZao Law Today
If you suddenly become ill after eating in a restaurant or other establishment, seek medical attention right away. Then, make sure you speak with an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A. Our firm is here to assist you with your case and help you claim the compensation you rightly deserve.
Food poisoning is nothing to laugh about. It is a potentially deadly condition. Don’t trust your claim with just any personal injury firm. Choose the best personal injury attorneys in the State of New Jersey. Choose the Law Offices of James C. DeZao, P.A. Call us today at (855) 432-2489 for a free consultation.
