Specific Foodborne Illnesses

Millions of Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses. Many of these illnesses have common flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The person suffering those ill effects may not even realize he or she is the victim of contaminated food.

Scientists have documented more than 250 different causes of foodborne illness spread by food and water. Most of these are infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. Some illnesses are caused by toxins or chemicals that poison food. While most people recover quickly from foodborne illnesses or food poisoning, some suffer serious, life-threatening complications and even death.

If you or a family member has suffered serious harm from a foodborne illness or food poisoning, you need to contact the experienced foodborne illness attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault. The food poisoning lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country. We have been strong courtroom advocates for food safety for more than two decades and we can use our experience to help you recover from your illness. Call our team of attorneys at 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contract form.

There are many ways the pathogens and toxins get spread. Frequently these illnesses are caused by eating undercooked meat or poultry, consuming contaminated food or water or having poor hand washing habits.  

The most common foodborne illnesses include:

• Campylobacteriosis
• Shigellosis
• Salmonelllosis
• Diarrheal illnesses caused by E. coli bacteria

Other foodborne illnesses include:

• Botulism
• Hepatitis A
• Hemorrhagic Colitis
• Listeriosis
• Norovirus
• Toxoplasmosis

Salmonellosis typically causes fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. There are an estimated 1.4 million cases a year. The disease is caused by Salmonella bacteria that are frequently present in raw poultry and meat. In some people with weakened immune system, Salmonellosis can cause serious complications such as infections of the bloodstream.

Hemorrhagic colitis is a serious condition caused by harmful E. coli 0157:H7 bacterium. It can lead to complications such as Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening condition. HUS occurs in three to five percent of infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control. It can lead to profuse bleeding and kidney damage and is the most common cause of kidney failure in children.

Campylobacteriosis, another illness linked to raw and undercooked poultry, is caused by various strains of Campylobacter bacteria, most people develop diarrhea, cramping and abdominal pain. But Campylobacteriosis also have long-term consequences,including arthritis and the rare disease Guillain-Barre syndrome, a complication that affects the nervous system and can lead to paralysis.

If you have suffered serious consequences of a foodborne illness, you’ll want to understand your legal rights to help cover your medical bills and other expenses. At Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, we understand foodborne illness and the serious consequences those illnesses can have on people’s lives. If you or a family member has suffered the serious complications of a foodborne illness, it’s important that you understand your legal rights. Don’t delay. Call our team of experienced food poisoning attorneys at 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contract form.