Getting sick with food poisoning can be a terrible experience, leaving victims stuck in bed for a few days. Unfortunately, people do not always realize that they have food poisoning. Instead, they attribute the symptoms to the stomach flu or a “24-hour bug.” In severe cases, food poisoning can be quite dangerous or even deadly.
People most at risk of severe harm from food poisoning include infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems. Certain strains of bacterial food poisoning can be more dangerous for these individuals since their immune systems are not able to fight off infection as well as older children and young adults can.
Following are some of the common symptoms of food poisoning:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Vision problems
- Dehydration
- Headaches
In severe cases of food poisoning, kidney failure can occur. Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the body’s nerves, could also develop, potentially causing paralysis or death.
Following are some tips to help reduce your risk of food poisoning:
- Make sure your food is cooked to proper temperature.
- Be sure that kitchen knives and cutting surfaces are properly cleaned to avoid cross-contamination.
- Check restaurant reviews and look for health inspection reports before going to a new restaurant. If you walk into a restaurant, and it appears dirty or unsanitary, walk out.
- Pay attention to food recalls—never ingest any food that is on a recall list. If you own a recalled food item, return it to your grocery story immediately.
If you have suffered severe health problems due to food poisoning or some other serious accident, contact a Chicago product liability attorney at Lane Brown for legal help. We will take the time to examine all of the facts related to your case, answer your questions, and help you to understand your legal options. Give us a call today at 312-332-1400 to schedule your free case review. We are here to help.
