Have You Gotten Sick Due to Food Poisoning? Can You Sue?
OMAHA, Nebraska. According to Business Insider, Chipotle in Ohio had to close its doors after more than 400 people became sick from foodborne illness. Business Insider reports that every year, 48 million people become sick from foodborne illness. While most people heal from foodborne illness after a few days of vomiting, diarrhea and nausea, some people can die from these infections. People who are most at risk of the more serious complications include the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, and small children.
Because the consequences of foodborne sickness can be so serious, some victims are suing restaurants and companies after they get sick. According to PR Newswire, victims are suing Chipotle in Ohio after the most recent outbreak. The lawsuit comes after the Delaware General Health Department found problems in its most recent inspection of the restaurants. In the stores, inspectors found cross-contamination risks and foods being kept at potentially unsafe temperatures. The lawyers in the lawsuit write that they hope the suit will encourage Chipotle to “change its ways and make its food safer.”
According to QZ, Chipotle isn’t the only food service provider facing scrutiny in the media for outbreaks of food poisoning cases. Trader Joe’s, Kroger, and McDonald’s all made the news for food poisoning incidents.
Why are we seeing more cases of food poisoning? QZ writes that as restaurants serve more fresh items like salad and vegetables due to consumer demand, the risk for food poisoning increases. Why? When meats are deep fried or cooked, pathogens die. When people eat fresh salads or vegetables, unless the vegetables have been thoroughly washed, they could have bacteria.
While there are safety standards for cooking meat to avoid contamination, there are no similar standards for fast food restaurants serving lettuce and vegetables. So, what can companies serving vegetables do to keep consumers safe? Having employees wash their hands frequently is one way. As fresh food is handled by more hands, the more likely it is to be contaminated. Another way is to wash vegetables and leafy greens. While washing can’t absolutely guarantee that all pathogens will be removed, it can help.
Chipotle has been in the news for foodborne illness more often probably because it serves more fresh food. It is also a major food chain, so it is more likely to be recognized by the media. Still, 400 plus cases of norovirus is no small matter, and it can be deadly for some members of the general population.
If you or a loved one became seriously ill after eating at a restaurant, you may be entitled to seek damages for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Rensch & Rensch Law are personal injury lawyers in Omaha, Nebraska who work closely with victims and their families to help them seek damages after they have been hurt. If you have been injured, visit us at https://www.renschandrensch.com/ to learn more about your rights.
Rensch & Rensch Law
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Omaha, NE 68114
