Jason Stephens | November 7, 2023 | Product Liability
Fort Worth is known for its excellent cuisine. But what should you do if you got sick after consuming something at a Fort Worth, Texas restaurant that caused you food poisoning? Here is what you need to know about this illness and your legal options.
What Is Food Poisoning?
According to the Mayo Clinic, food poisoning is a foodborne illness people get from something they eat or drink because what they consume has germs or other harmful components in it. In some cases, food poisoning can result in serious illness or complications.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
The most obvious symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Cramps
- Bloody stools
- Fever
Many of these symptoms occur within a few hours of eating the contaminated food.
However, in other cases, symptoms may last for a few weeks and can even affect the nervous system. These symptoms may include the following:
- Paralysis in the limbs
- Tingling or numbness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Changes in the sound of their voice
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
If you are experiencing these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
How To Prove Food Poisoning
It can be difficult to prove food poisoning because the symptoms are also present in stomach bugs and other medical conditions. However, if you suspect food poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention and legal advice for help with your claim. An experienced lawyer can help identify evidence that can help establish your claim and the legal elements identified above.
Depending on the circumstances, this could include evidence such as the following:
- Medical records – Your medical records may indicate your symptoms and that you started receiving medical treatment shortly after you consumed the suspected problematic food or drink.
- Physical evidence – You may have leftovers from the restaurant that can be analyzed by a laboratory.
- Medical tests – Stool samples, bodily fluid samples, and blood samples may indicate you consumed contaminated food or drink. Your medical providers can share this information with your legal team, who can prepare it for a case.
- Medical bills – Medical bills can help show the actual damages you sustained as a result of the food poisoning.
- Other reports – Often, when there is an outbreak, other people may have also suffered food poisoning or related illnesses.
Your lawyer will know how to obtain this evidence. They can also demand maintenance records, personnel records, and other documentation that the defendant did not act as a reasonable person and failed to take steps that could have prevented the poisoning.
Compensation You May Be Able To Recover in a Food Poisoning Lawsuit
You may be able to recover compensation for the damages you suffered, which might include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
You can discuss the potential value of your claim during your free consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
Should I File a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
It may be in your best interest to file a food poisoning lawsuit, depending on the facts of your case. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, so their payment is based on successfully recovering compensation for you. Most personal injury attorneys also offer free initial consultations.
For these reasons (and others), it’s likely at least worth your time to reach out for some initial legal advice.
CONTACT OUR Product Liability LAW FIRM IN FORT WORTH, TX
If you’ve been affected in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth product liability lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420 7000