Food poisoning can cause severe illness or even death, which is why it’s a good idea to call a top food poisoning lawyer Montgomery County MD provides if you or someone you know was a victim. Medical costs and other expenses can add up quickly after experiencing food poisoning. The attorneys of Cohen and Cohen, P.C. have helped thousands of people recover their costs from injuries that were not their fault.
Food poisoning can debilitate victims, and in some cases can be fatal. Our legal team may be able to represent your family in a wrongful death suit if a loved one passed away from food poisoning. A Montgomery County MD food poisoning lawyer can help you decide whether or not you may want to proceed with litigation against those responsible.
Cohen and Cohen, P.C. offers a free claim evaluation. In advance of meeting with an attorney, below is information about food poisoning that you may find helpful.
How Food Poisoning Occurs
Also known as a “foodborne illness,” food poisoning can happen if a person eats food contaminated by a virus or harmful bacteria. Symptoms may not appear initially, and can take several days to appear. When you contact a food poisoning lawyer Montgomery County MD injury victims turn to, he or she may already know of several other victims in your area. Contamination can occur any number of ways, including:
- During packaging
- At the source (farm, orchard, etc.)
- During transportation
- In storage
- When improperly cooked or prepared at home or in a restaurant
Food Most Likely to Get Contaminated
Though viruses and bacteria can be present in almost any food, some foods are more susceptible than others. These include:
- Poultry
- Meat
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Shellfish
- Leafy green vegetables
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Symptoms can vary, and if you suspect you may be a victim of food poisoning, you should seek immediate medical care. If your tests are positive, make copies of your medical report. A skilled food poisoning lawyer Montgomery County MD offers will need that information if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Symptoms can mimic stomach flu. Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Watery diarrhea
- Fever
Food Poisoning Lawsuits
There are many instances of food poisoning victims who have sued those responsible for causing their illness, or the death of a loved one. A food poisoning lawyer in Montgomery County MD will have to determine who is at fault in your case. Examples of possible defendants include:
- A restaurant that serves contaminated food
- A food distributor that improperly stored, transported, or handled food
- A grower, rancher, or farmer that improperly harvested, stored, handled, or processed food
For those who suffer more severe cases of food poisoning, their damages can be extensive. A successful lawsuit or settlement can recover these costs and more:
- Hospital bills
- Follow-up visits to doctors
- Medical testing
- Loss of income while sick
- Pain and suffering
Making a Case
When meeting with a food poisoning lawyer Montgomery County MD residents recommend, he or she may ask if you have evidence to support your case. Because food poisoning symptoms often don’t begin immediately after consuming the contaminated food, it can be challenging to identify the cause. This may be the prime argument of the defense, which makes evidence collection critical. Proof can come in several forms:
- Leftover food from the restaurant or store in question. If tested and found to be positive for contamination, this can be very helpful.
- Other victims who consumed the same food and also experienced food poisoning.
- Medical tests that confirm you contracted a foodborne illness.
To discuss your case with an experienced food poisoning lawyer Montgomery County MD provides, call Cohen and Cohen, P.C. today for a free case evaluation.
