When you dine at a restaurant or pick up a quick meal at a fast-food chain, you expect the food to be safe to eat. Unfortunately, food poisoning caused by contaminated or improperly handled food is a serious public health concern in New York and across the country. In some cases, foodborne illness leads to severe complications, hospitalization, or even death.
At O’Connor & Partners, PLLC, our attorneys represent individuals throughout Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, Albany, and across New York State who have suffered from food poisoning caused by restaurant or fast food negligence. If you or a loved one became ill after dining out, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
What Is Food Poisoning
Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, is an infection or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. Contamination may occur at any point in the food supply chain, including production, processing, transportation, or preparation.
Common foodborne pathogens include:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Listeria
- Norovirus
- Hepatitis A
- Clostridium perfringens
- Campylobacter
Common Causes of Food Poisoning in Restaurants and Fast Food Establishments
Restaurants and fast food chains are legally required to follow strict health and safety regulations. When they fail to meet these standards, they put their customers at risk.
Examples of negligence that can lead to foodborne illness include:
- Serving undercooked or raw meat, poultry, or seafood
- Contaminated fresh produce such as lettuce or spinach
- Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
- Poor hygiene among food handlers
- Improper refrigeration or storage of perishable ingredients
- Using expired or spoiled ingredients
- Failure to clean kitchen equipment and surfaces
- Infestations of rodents or insects in food preparation areas
Fast food restaurants, which often serve high volumes of customers quickly, are particularly vulnerable to food safety lapses.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
The symptoms of foodborne illness can vary depending on the specific pathogen involved but often include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody
- Stomach cramps
- Fever and chills
- Dehydration
- Headache and body aches
In severe cases, especially involving E. coli, Listeria, or Salmonella, food poisoning can cause:
- Kidney damage or failure
- Sepsis or systemic infection
- Pregnancy complications or miscarriage
- Death
Who Is at Highest Risk
While anyone can suffer from foodborne illness, some groups are more vulnerable to serious outcomes. These include:
- Infants and young children
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- Individuals with compromised immune systems
These individuals are more likely to require hospitalization and may experience long-term health consequences.
How to Prove a Restaurant Food Poisoning Claim in New York
Food poisoning claims can be legally complex. To succeed in a personal injury or product liability case, you must prove:
- That you ate food from the restaurant or fast food location
- That the food was contaminated and caused your illness
- That the illness resulted in damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering
Evidence that can strengthen your claim includes:
- Medical records showing diagnosis of a foodborne illness
- Stool samples or lab tests identifying the bacteria or virus
- Purchase receipts or bank statements showing when and where you ate
- Reports of other customers who became sick at the same establishment
- Health department citations or investigations
O’Connor & Partners works with food safety experts, epidemiologists, and medical professionals to build strong food poisoning cases.
Who May Be Held Liable for Food Poisoning
Depending on the circumstances, several parties may be responsible for the contamination:
- The restaurant or fast food establishment
- Food suppliers or distributors
- Manufacturers or processors of contaminated ingredients
- Food handling staff who violated safety procedures
Claims can be based on negligence, product liability, or breach of warranty.
Compensation Available in a Food Poisoning Lawsuit
If you became ill due to a restaurant or fast food establishment’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency room visits and hospitalization
- Medical testing and treatment
- Lost income from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Long-term or permanent health complications
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
Our firm evaluates the full impact of your illness to pursue the maximum recovery available.
Real-World Example: Romaine Lettuce E. coli Outbreak
In recent years, several major outbreaks of E. coli were linked to romaine lettuce served in restaurants and fast food chains across the country. Dozens of people became seriously ill, and several were hospitalized. In New York, patients required medical care for kidney failure and other complications.
If you or someone you love became sick during a food poisoning outbreak, our attorneys can help investigate and determine whether you have a claim against the establishment or supplier.
What to Do If You Suspect Food Poisoning
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow all doctor recommendations
- Report the incident to your local health department
- Keep leftover food or packaging, if available, for testing
- Document your symptoms, dates of illness, and all medical care received
- Contact a personal injury attorney with experience in food poisoning claims
It is important to act quickly, as evidence in these cases can disappear within days.
Why Choose O’Connor & Partners, PLLC
Our law firm has a proven track record in personal injury and product liability cases, including foodborne illness claims. We take an aggressive approach to investigating contamination, identifying liable parties, and recovering compensation for our clients.
We serve clients throughout Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, Albany, and other areas of New York. Consultations are always free, and we do not charge any legal fees unless we recover money for you.
Contact Us Today
If you became seriously ill after eating at a restaurant or fast food location in New York, do not wait to get legal help.
Call O’Connor & Partners, PLLC or visit our website to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney. We are ready to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Website: www.oconnorpersonalinjury.com
Phone: 845-303-8777
Offices in Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, and Albany