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Food poisoning is a severe foodborne illness caused by consuming contaminated food. Various contaminants, including parasites, toxins, viruses, bacteria, mold, and exposure to insects or rodents, can lead to food poisoning. Victims may be eligible for financial compensation for related costs if another party is responsible for the contamination. Over 250 types of food poisoning have been documented, with Salmonella being particularly common and found in many kinds of meat, dairy products, and some vegetables and fruits. It is estimated that in the United States, upwards of 420 people die yearly due to Salmonella poisoning alone.

Food poisoning outbreaks can spread swiftly through a community due to the interconnected nature of food production and consumption. Once a single contaminated product is consumed, many other people are likely exposed to the same product, either directly or indirectly. These outbreaks also spread quickly because symptoms can appear within just a few hours of eating contaminated food, often worsening over three to four days. The random spread of foodborne illness cases can make it challenging for health authorities and individuals to identify the source of the infection before it affects more people.

Unsafe food practices include:

• Undercooked food
• Contaminated surfaces
• Improper food storage
• Contact with raw meat
• Uncleaned vegetables

These dangerous circumstances can happen anywhere in the supply chain. Figuring out where the food was contaminated is essential in proving liability. A personal injury lawyer with experience in handling Las Vegas food poisoning cases can properly investigate your case to identify all involved parties and hold the at-fault party liable for their negligence.

4. Types of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning happens when a contaminant, such as bacteria, a virus, mold, parasites, toxins, or an allergen, enters the food and causes sickness. While there are thousands of contaminants, common ones include:

• E. coli: Causes symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and cramps
• Listeria: Symptoms include a stiff neck, fever, and muscle aches
• Salmonella: Symptoms include fever, diarrhea, and vomiting
• Clostridium perfringens: Causes symptoms such as diarrhea and cramps

Most cases of food poisoning in Las Vegas are minor, but there is still a risk of serious complications. Certain groups, such as young children, seniors, and pregnant women, are more at risk for contracting food poisoning and having more serious effects.

5. High-Risk Foods for Foodborne Illnesses

Some foods are known to pose a higher risk of food poisoning, including:

• Undercooked beef and chicken
• Raw egg yolk
• Unpasteurized milk and cheese
• Unwashed produce
• Deli meat

Even careful individuals can get sick due to someone else’s negligent actions.

6. Food Safety Rules in Las Vegas

The Southern Nevada Health District has regulations for food establishments to ensure food safety. Nevada’s regulations include standards regarding:

• Appropriate food temperature
• Food handling sanitation
• Safe packaging
• Equipment sanitation
• Food storage

Workers and establishments that do not follow these safety measures should be held accountable for their actions.

Food poisoning is a severe health issue affecting millions of people annually. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, headaches, difficulty breathing, speaking, swallowing, and dehydration. If symptoms last more than 24 hours or you suspect or know that food poisoning will cause financial loss, it is wise to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A food poisoning attorney can use your doctor’s write-up of your condition to prove and determine who the negligent party is. Individuals with food allergies also face the risk of severe reactions and should go to an emergency room immediately if they suspect any symptoms.

8. Preventing Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses and poisoning are serious public health concerns in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million cases of food poisoning occur yearly, resulting in hospitalizations and approximately 3,000 fatalities. Various foods can cause foodborne illnesses, including fresh produce and fruit, raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, unwashed produce, and improperly refrigerated food. To prevent most pathogens, such as E. coli, from contaminating food, follow these steps:

• Wash hands before preparing or eating food
• Thoroughly cook meats
• Properly store leftovers
• Avoid eating soft cheeses or unpasteurized milk products
• Wash raw fruits and leafy greens before eating them
• Avoid eating raw foods

Individuals can reduce their risk of becoming ill from contaminated food by taking these precautions.

9. Are You Ready to Pursue Legal Action for Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning can be a severe and debilitating illness, causing pain, suffering, medical bills, lost time at work, and diminished working capacity. If you have been the victim of food poisoning due to another party’s negligence or intentional harm, you may be able to file a personal injury claim for damages. Our experienced food poisoning lawyers are here to help seek justice for those affected by this incident. They often work with medical professionals and food safety experts to build winning cases of food poisoning lawsuits. It is best to speak with an experienced food poisoning lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.

10. Challenges in Food Poisoning Cases

In insurance claims and lawsuits, at-fault parties can claim they don’t bear responsibility. Insurance companies avoid paying out the total value of claims to protect their profits. Defendants in court may also try to deny or deflect responsibility. 

Common defenses include:

• Claiming that the food poisoning stemmed from another cause
• Claiming that the victim’s symptoms didn’t arise from food poisoning
• Claiming that the victim didn’t experience the symptoms as claimed
• Claiming that the victim didn’t need the treatment received
• Claiming that the victim didn’t need to miss time from work

11. Las Vegas Food Poisoning Lawyer

For Las Vegas residents, dealing with food poisoning can be much more severe than a simple upset stomach. According to the US Department of Health, there are estimated to be some 48 million cases of foodborne illness in the US annually. These cases result in over 125,000 hospitalizations each year. If you or a family member has gotten sick from contaminated food, you may be able to receive compensation for the harm caused. Call our lawyers at MossBerg Injury Lawyers can help you better understand your legal options.

12. Working with a Las Vegas Food Poisoning Lawyer

Handling a food poisoning case can be challenging, especially when it is difficult to pinpoint the contaminated food source. However, if foodborne illness has caused financial losses or other damages, you may be able to recover compensation. 

Our law firm can provide the legal advice and representation needed to pursue compensation for your foodborne illness case to recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.