Food poisoning can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening illnesses, and Maine individuals must understand their rights and remedies in these cases. For example, recently a national news source reported that Chipolte, a popular Mexican restaurant, has agreed to pay a $25 million fine and comply with a food safety program, after serving tainted food from 2015 to 2018.
The company conceded that they were the cause of at least five food poisoning outbreaks in the United States. These outbreaks occurred after employees failed to engage in safe food handling protocols. The company also acknowledged that several employees felt pressure to stay or return to work while they were sick. One outbreak, in particular, was linked to an employee who vomited at work and was asked to continue working.
The tainted food caused over 1,000 people to suffer from food-borne illnesses. The Justice Department brought federal charges against the company for “adulterating” food, after “shipment in interstate commerce.” To resolve the criminal charges, the company agreed to pay the fine. The United States attorney prosecuting the case stated that the company both failed to safeguard their food from contamination and train their staff in food safety protocols.
Food-borne illnesses are often the result of a person consuming foods or drinks that are contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, poisonous chemicals, and other toxins. When one person contracts a food-borne illness, they may be able to spread it through physical contact, water sports, and person-to-person spread. The most common food-borne illnesses are botulism, campylobacter, e-coli, norovirus, hepatitis A, and salmonella poisoning. These diseases often present symptoms such as, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe cramping. Although some cases resolve themselves, others can linger and become life-threatening. Individuals who experience fever, prolonged vomiting, and dehydration should receive prompt medical treatment.
Maine food poisoning victims must act quickly to receive treatment and file claims against potentially liable parties. Food poisoning victims should preserve evidence and documentation of their illness because these cases often pose evidentiary challenges. Victims should gather and protect evidence related to emergency room records, portions of potentially infected food, and receipts showing the date and location of purchase. These cases can take a tremendous financial, emotional, and physical toll on individuals, and it is important that victims retain an attorney to assist them through this process.
Have You Suffered Food Poisoning in Maine?
If you or someone you know has suffered serious food poisoning in Maine, you should contact Peter Thompson & Associates to discuss your rights and avenues for relief. The attorneys at our law firm have years of experience successfully representing Maine food poisoning victims clients in their injury claims. We have also recovered compensation on behalf of clients in a variety of other lawsuits, such as, car accidents, truck accidents, worksite claims, product liability claims, and medical malpractice complaints. Compensation in these cases typically include payments for economic and non-economic losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium. Contact our office at 1-800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with a Maine injury attorney.