When you enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant, you likely don’t regret it the following morning. However, when you’ve fallen ill after eating at a restaurant, a doctor may diagnose you with food poisoning. Though it may not seem that bad, severe cases can occur, leaving you with extensive medical bills. You may not know that you can file a personal injury lawsuit to hold the restaurant liable for the damages they’ve caused. Keep reading to learn more about this process and discover how a Tom Green County, Texas personal injury lawyer can help you receive justice.
What Is Food Poisoning?
When food becomes contaminated with a virus or bacteria, it can lead to food poisoning. This occurs when food is not properly cooked or stored, or the person preparing the meal is ill or has not properly washed their hands before handling food.
Food poisoning is generally mild, meaning it can be treated at home. However, this is not always the case, as this illness can quickly become severe. Because this illness causes vomiting and diarrhea, it is also commonly associated with dehydration. If the ill party cannot retain enough fluids, they may suffer the effects of dehydration, which in some extreme circumstances, can lead to seizures and renal failure.
Can I Sue the Restaurant?
Many people are unfamiliar with the fact that illnesses fall under the umbrella of personal injury cases, as these lawsuits are typically associated with car crashes and slips and falls. However, when you suffer damages as a result of another party’s negligence, which in this case is the restaurant, you can pursue damages.
For example, if your illness was so severe that you were hospitalized for a period of time, you likely incurred high medical bills. Similarly, it’s likely you didn’t work, meaning you lost valuable income. As such, you can hold the restaurant liable for the damages you’ve endured. Not only does this cover the cost of the bills and lost wages, but you can also recover non-economic damages, like compensation for pain and suffering.
To prove that the illness is linked to the meal, the DNA profile of the virus will be compared to the profile of any virus or bacteria found on surfaces, food, or equipment in the restaurant. If they match, it is easy to prove that the restaurant was the direct cause of your illness.
If you incurred substantial harm and damages as the result of a negligent restaurant failing to prepare or store food properly, you’ll want to reach out to the Mathis Law Firm. Our legal team will work hard to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss the details of your case with a dedicated attorney.
