McGowan, Hood & Felder, LLC
Food Poisoning Attorneys
McGowan, Hood & Felder or attorneys on it's staff have been involved in some high profile food poisoning cases.
McGowan, Hood & Felder has represented or is currently representing hundreds of people in different states in litigation against restaurants and food companies whose food can be traced as the source of illness. Our food poisoning lawyers have investigated claims on behalf of individuals sickened as part of outbreaks - cases involving multiple people sickened by a common source - and individuals whose illnesses were considered "isolated," yet could be traced to a particular food source.
At McGowan, Hood & Felder, we aim to obtain maximum compensation for our clients' injuries and damages. We try to ensure that our clients are compensated for their physical damages, emotional injuries, medical expenses, missed time from work, permanent injuries and in some cases, death. We represent people who may require medical monitoring and surgical procedures throughout their lives, and we work to secure settlements or verdicts that will provide for their long-term medical needs.
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is when some type of food is contaminated by some type of bacteria or virus and is eaten or ingested by a person. The affected individual can then become very ill as a result of the contaminated food. The most common types of food poisoning agents are:
- Campylobacter
- Salmonella
- E Coli 0157:H7
- Hepatitis A
- Listeria
- Norovirus
- Shigella
Types of Symptoms
Many different kinds of infections can cause diarrhea and bloody diarrhea. Doctors can look for bacterial causes of diarrhea by asking a laboratory to culture a sample of stool from an ill person. There can also be symptoms which include stomach cramps, fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, arthritis (in rare cases) and death.
Sources of Food Poisoning
Poultry is one of the most common foods traced as the source of food poisoning. Other foods include unpasteurized milk, undercooked meats, mushrooms, cheese, shellfish, and eggs.
Some animals who have the types of bacteria in their intestinal tract which can be traced to contaminated food products include cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, and direct animal exposure can lead to infection. Pets that may carry infection which can lead to food poisoning include birds, cats, dogs, hamsters, and turtles. Infectious agents can also be isolated from streams, lakes and ponds.
Food Poisoning Prevention
To prevent most types of food poisoning, restaurants and other establishments must cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly before served to patrons. In order to insure that eggs do not contain viable Salmonella they must be cooked at least until the yoke is solid, and meat and poultry must reach 160ºF or greater throughout. Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs, such as homemade eggnog and hollandaise sauce. Avoid drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk or products made from raw milk.
Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with foods of animal origin. Also, wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, amphibians or birds, or after contact with pet feces. Infants and immunocompromised persons should have no direct or indirect contact with such pets.
We are prepared to help you protect what is important to you and your family. To schedule a free consultation, contact South Carolina personal injury attorneys at McGowan, Hood & Felder LLC today.
