Food poisoning is unfortunately a common occurrence in the UK. Not many people realise though that if it was contracted in a restaurant, café or shop then it is legally classed as a personal injury. As such sufferers are entitled to compensation for food poisoning, as they are suffering through no fault of their own. Although fortunately most cases of food poisoning are mild and last for no more than a few days, sometimes the outcome can be serious. Around 400 people die every year after contracting food poisoning, with children, pregnant women and the elderly particularly vulnerable to the effects. Poisoning is caused by a build up of bacteria on food. This can then be ingested by a customer if the food is out of date, not cooked properly or due to poor hygiene standards. In cases like this compensation is possible by using a food poisoning claims solicitor.
The symptoms of most food poisoning cases include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps. Rest and over the counter treatments will clear up mild cases in a couple of days. More serious cases sometimes require hospital treatment, but a trip to the doctor is recommended no matter how mild the case is. The symptoms can appear quickly after eating contaminated food or sometimes take weeks to develop. The Food Safety Act of 1990 was designed to protect consumers from negligent practices by food sellers. If you have become ill because of a business failing to follow these guidelines you may be able to claim compensation for food poisoning.
If you suspect you contracted food poisoning from a shop, restaurant or food establishment then it may be wise to report your concerns to the Environmental Health Department and contact a Food Poisoning claims solicitor. If possible keep any receipts and evidence you may have from the establishment to help your case.
Food poisoning can be caused by many different types of bacteria, some of which are discussed below:
- Salmonella
- Campylobacter
- E Coli
- Botulism
Salmonella - Is a bacterium that is found in meat and eggs. Like many bacteria, it is killed by heat and therefore is commonly contracted through undercooked food.
Campylobacter - Is the most common cause of food poisoning. It is a bacteria found on raw meat that can be passed on to other food products by direct contact or by failure to wash hands in between handling raw meat and other foods.
E Coli - E Coli is bacteria present in the intestines of animals and humans. If ingested however can cause serious illness. Most commonly passed on by contaminating cooked meat with raw meat.
Botulism - A serious paralytic illness caused by ingesting the botulin toxin. This is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. It can be killed by thorough cooking.
If you contracted food poisoning that was not your fault and you need a food poisoning claims solicitor, then please call for our free and confidential advice on you case.
People can be put off from making food poisoning claims because of worries about the financial implications involved ,but all claims through Ashley Ainsworth are on a strictly no win, no fee basis. Money received through a claim for compensation can go a long way to cover any hardship you suffered from contracting the illness.
Compensation for food poisoning
At Ashley Ainsworth we have vast experience in dealing with compensation for food poisoning claims. We can provide you with a top UK food poisoning claims solicitor who specialises in the field. They have helped many people before and know exactly the best course of action to get you the compensation package you are entitled too.
Read some examples of successful personal injury compensation claims at Ashley Ainsworth here.
