Food poisoning is no joking matter and occurs more often than you might think. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 48 million illnesses and 3,000 deaths are a result of food poisoning each year. If you became severely ill after eating at a restaurant and suspect that it may be from the food or a sanitary issue, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the restaurant. But before moving forward with a complaint, there are a few things you will need.
To increase your chances of being successful in this type of case, you must determine what made you ill in the first place. If the restaurant was the source of your food poisoning, your doctor can run tests to show what pathogens you consumed there that you fell ill from. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of food poisoning and depending on which one you have, the symptoms and severity can vary.
If by chance you had taken the food you got sick from home as leftovers, this can be another great way in which to determine whether it was the source of your food poisoning.
It is important to also consider that it may not have been the food and that an employee could have transmitted the foodborne pathogens to you. It could be as simple as an employee that was sick and forgot to wash their hands. If the manager knew the employee was ill and did not send him or her home, the restaurant and the manager could be liable.
Once you have gathered evidence to determine that your food poisoning did in fact come from a specific restaurant, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer to determine whether you have an actionable claim.
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