Salmonella (salmonellosis) is a common food poisoning usually found in mass-produced food goods. Individuals suffering from Salmonella can experience persistent diarrhea, high fever, vomiting, severe abdominal cramping, headaches, dehydration, and pain. Initial symptoms can occur in as little as 12 hours or up to three days after the consumption of any food product containing a strain of Salmonella.
Statistics maintained by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) indicate that there are over 75 million cases of individuals suffering food-borne illnesses, including Salmonella, every year.
Out of all of the cases, 300,000 individuals require hospitalization to receive effective treatment, and another 5000 are killed by bacteria.
In many incidences, negligence or carelessness during the preparation or manufacturing process can contaminate food products with harmful bacteria including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and others.
As a result, many injured victims and families of loved ones who have lost their lives from a foodborne illness outbreak will hire a Salmonella food poisoning attorney to handle their claim.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is actually a massive group of thousands of different bacteria strains. The most common strain in the United States is Salmonella serotype Enteritidis (SE) or salmonellosis.
During the 1980s, Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks rose significantly in the northeastern states, spreading westward during the 1990s. This life-threatening illness is now a prominent health concern in every region of the U.S.
The most severe symptoms occur in infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with a compromised immune system or various chronic conditions including HIV infection and diabetes.
Severe conditions often involve a case of intestinal salmonellosis spreading into the bloodstream and eventually throughout the body. Without prompt effective treatments involving antibiotics, even a mild case of Salmonella can lead to death.
A Salmonella Outbreak Due to Contaminated Food
Outbreaks of Salmonella can occur at a national, regional, or local level. The size and scope of the outbreak usually depend on its exact cause, the origin of the food contaminated with the bacteria, and the number of individuals who consumed the food.
When detected early, local and regional authorities can control and limit the outbreak before it spreads to a national concern.
Common Salmonella outbreaks usually happen from contaminated foods that include ground beef, mangoes, papayas, cantaloupe, peanut butter, dog food, cucumbers, and more.
The primary forms of transmitting Salmonella can be categorized by the five “Fs” that include:
- Food
- Fingers
- Feces
- Flies
- Fomites – any substances or objects carrying infectious organisms (i.e. skin cells, clothing, hair, bedding materials)
In addition to food poisoning, Salmonella can be spread through hedgehogs, frogs, and small turtles.
Simple Preventative Measures Can Prevent Most Cases of Salmonella
Food preparers and individuals consuming food goods can take preventative measures to minimize the potential of acquiring Salmonella.
This includes washing hands with soap and water before preparing, serving, or consuming foods and again when changing diapers, toileting, or playing with pets. Other simple preventative measures involve cooking meat (especially poultry) and egg products thoroughly.
Individuals with special needs and young children will usually require additional assistance for washing their hands after using the toilet.
Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuits Against Manufacturers, Distributors, and Purveyors
Many times, the outbreak of salmonella in the community or region results in a Salmonella investigation followed by lawsuits filed on behalf of victims injured or killed.
Victims suffering food poisoning from recalled products resulting in hospitalization, serious injury, or death are likely entitled to receive compensation.
If you have been the victim suffering injury from a foodborne illness outbreak, it is essential to hire a Salmonella food poisoning attorney to seek financial recompense.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC is a leading food poisoning law firm that represents victims of salmonella and other foodborne outbreaks including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, and others.
Our practice focuses on food poisoning litigation to obtain compensation from food manufacturing companies, food suppliers, distributors, restaurants, retailers, and others.
We accept food poisoning injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means no upfront fees are required as our legal services are paid from your out-of-court negotiated settlement or from a monetary award obtained through a successful jury trial.
Call our law offices at (888) 424-5757 today to schedule a free, initial consultation. We will evaluate your claim and provide various legal options on how to obtain compensation and hold those responsible for your illness accountable for their neglect.
