Food Poisoning

A recent Christmas office party went terribly wrong when more than 50 guests were sickened with a suspected case of food poisoning. When outbreaks of food poisoning occur, there are a variety of possible sources. From tainted ingredients to improper preparation, a number of circumstances can lead to food-borne illnesses. For the most serious of situations, the injured party or parties may choose to pursue legal action against the responsible party. With the assistance of an experienced lawyer, an individual can successfully seek financial compensation for food poisoning injuries they suffer.

WKZO News is reporting that dozens of attendees became violently ill about two hours into their office Christmas party. Emergency services were contacted and each guest was immediately evaluated. About 50 people were treated at the scene, while 25 were transported to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment. Several other guests reportedly chose to transport themselves to the emergency room. All of the guests were listed in stable condition, but many were experiencing severe stomach pains, along with nausea and vomiting. A property management company hosted the party, with about 700 total guests. The party was reportedly catered by a local company. Shortly after the outbreak, the Department of Homeland Security was contacted to investigate any possible terrorist acts.

Common Causes of Food Poisoning

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every six Americans experience food poisoning each year. While the symptoms generally subside within a day or two, some people experience complications that can lead to serious illness or death. The CDC estimates that 128,000 people are hospitalized each year, with 3,000 cases of food poisoning proving fatal. The agency lists the most common causes of food-borne diseases as follows:

• Pathogens are the most common cause of food poisoning. These are disease-causing microbes that contaminate the food. Common pathogens include norovirus, salmonella or staphylococcus.
• Poisonous chemicals also cause foodborne diseases when placed in contact with food
• Some diseases are foodborne and they transmit through the ingestion of the food. These include shigella and Hepatitis A
• Parasites are another common cause of food poisoning. Common food parasites include giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium.

Seeking Compensation

Food poisoning lawsuits can ensure that the responsible party is held financially responsible for resulting injuries. When considering whether to take this route, a potential plaintiff should consider the seriousness of injury. Lawsuits are serious undertakings, requiring a substantial amount of time and effort. Decide whether your injuries are substantial enough to pursue a claim. If you wish to take legal action, there must be legal proof connecting a source with your illness. Whether the source of the illness is a restaurant or a catering company, your lawyer must prove the connection before the court will order an award.

If you or a loved one has been injured due by a serious case of food poisoning, contact the legal team of Pita Weber Del Prado for knowledgeable and skillful representation in Miami. Call the office today at 305-670-2889 for a free consultation.