Nottingham Food Poisoning Solicitors
When we buy food, or eat in a restaurant, we are entitled to expect that the food has been prepared, stored and handled so that it is fit for human consumption and not harmful. Improper hygiene and poor food preparation and storage can lead to food being unfit and dangerous and, following consumption, micro-organisms including campylobacter, salmonella, E coli and listeria can cause food poisoning symptoms. It may be that the food has been stored, prepared or cooked in breach of relevant legislation, including the Food Safety Act 1990.
If you were the person who actually purchased the food, then you can rely upon implied terms as to quality and fitness for purpose under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. If you did not purchase the food then you can often rely upon the Consumer Protection Act 1987 or a claim based upon negligence.
If you believe you have suffered food poisoning you should naturally ensure you receive proper medical care. This is also important to ensure that a proper diagnosis can be made, and to provide a link to a particular type of micro-organism.
The matter should be reported to the local Environmental Health Department (often done by the GP or hospital) who should be able to investigate, and in proper circumstances, take action against the offenders to prevent others going through the same unpleasant, and/or dangerous experience. The EHD records are also useful to determine whether other people with similar symptoms have consumed food from that source.
If you have suffered food poisoning then you may be entitled to compensation.
There are strict legal requirements regarding the quality and fitness of food, for example under the Sale of Goods Act and the Consumer Protection Act, which we can rely upon to pursue your case.
Types of Food Poisoning
We have experience of many different types of food poisoning claims, including:
– Salmonella
– Campylobacter
– Stapphylococcus
– E coli
– Bacillary Dysentery
– Typhoid & Paratyphoid
– Giardiasis
– Cryptosporidium
If you have suffered serious food poisoning and we are able to prove the source, then you may be able to pursue a claim. These claims can be difficult to prove, but if more than one person has suffered symptoms from the same source, proving who was responsible is an easier task.
Most claims can be funded under a “no win no fee” agreement with legal expenses insurance, so you needn’t worry about incurring expenses if the claim is unsuccessful.
E coli outbreak
Whilst the most common cause of infections such as e coli is through food poisoning, the recent outbreaks at a number of “Petting Farms” illustrate that infection can also be via direct contact with animals carrying the organism.
The risk is heightened by virtue of the fact that young children (along with the elderly and the sick) are particularly vulnerable to such infection.
Symptoms vary widely, but can include diarrhoea, colitis and renal failure. During the serious outbreaks in Strathclyde in 1996 and South Wales in 2005 there were even fatalities.
The law provides protection and compensation in appropriate cases to those who suffer illness and loss as a result of such infection. The risks are well known, and therefore those in charge of such farms will be required to take appropriate safety measures to protect visitors. There also needs to be critical examination of the time taken to close such farms after the first cases were reported.
If you or a member of your family have suffered health problems as a result of e coli infection, Paul Davis& Co can help you make a claim.
We offer FREE expert advice and assistance
Few firms can match the level of qualification and experience available at Paul Davis & Co. The department is led by Paul Davis, a dually qualified solicitor and barrister, and a Fellow of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers. Paul has specialised in personal injury claims since 1975 and so you may rest assured that you are in safe hands with us.
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No win no fee
Learn more about the representation we provide by contacting us online or ring 01157 270 140 to arrange your initial consultation.
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