Experienced Portland Food Poisoning Lawyer
Portland Food Poisoning Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best food poisoning lawyers in Portland
Have You Recently Suffered From Food Poisoning in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren have successfully handled numerous food poisoning cases, holding restaurants and food establishments accountable for their negligence.
With Goldberg & Loren on your side, you can have peace of mind knowing that dedicated professionals will fight for your rights and seek maximum compensation on your behalf.
Don’t suffer in silence. Call Goldberg & Loren today for a free consultation and take the first step towards getting justice today.
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is a broad term that encompasses various illnesses caused by harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, or toxins present in food.
Foodborne illnesses can be caused by a range of factors, including improper food handling, inadequate cooking or processing, contaminated water, or cross-contamination during food preparation.
Some of the most common types include E. coli infection, salmonella poisoning, listeria infection, norovirus infection, and botulism. Often caused by another party, medical expenses and other damages can be recovered in a lawsuit filed against the entity responsible.
Food poisoning lawsuits typically involve gathering evidence, such as medical records and laboratory test results, to establish a link between the illness and the contaminated food product.
Our lawyers at Goldberg & Loren will consider the legal implications and potential claims, such as product liability or negligence, against the food company or processor.
A free consultation with a lawyer at Goldberg & Loren can help you determine the viability of your case and explore the legal recourse available.
While the American food supply is among the safest in the world, the Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually—the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year. Each year, these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. [1]
Common Types of Foodborne Illnesses
E. Coli Infection
One of the most well-known types of foodborne illness is E. coli infection. This bacterium, commonly found in undercooked or raw meat, can cause severe symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and in some cases, kidney failure. E. coli outbreaks are often linked to contaminated ground beef products, unpasteurized milk, or contaminated water sources.
Salmonella
Salmonella poisoning is another common type of foodborne illness. It is caused by the Salmonella bacteria, which can be present in various food products, including eggs, poultry, meat, and unpasteurized milk or juice. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. While most people recover without treatment, severe cases can require hospitalization. In early 2024, contaminated meat from Charcuterie was involved in a Salmonella outbreak.
Salmonella poisoning is the most common type of food poisoning. It causes 40 percent of food poisoning cases. [2]
Listeria
Listeria infection is a serious foodborne illness caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. This bacterium thrives in refrigerated and ready-to-eat foods, such as deli meats, hot dogs, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood. Listeria food poisoning symptoms can be severe, such as fever, muscle aches, and even meningitis or sepsis in high-risk individuals, including pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems. A 2024 Listeria outbreak resulted in 2 deaths and over 24 people ill.
Norovirus
Norovirus bacteria is a highly contagious virus that can cause gastroenteritis or stomach flu. It spreads easily in places like schools, nursing homes, and cruise ships, where people are in close contact. Norovirus is usually transmitted through contaminated food or surfaces. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. While norovirus infections are typically self-limiting, they can deplete the body of fluids and lead to dehydration if not managed properly.
Botulism
Botulism is a rare but potentially deadly type of foodborne illness caused by the Clostridium botulinum bacterium. It produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Botulism usually occurs from consuming improperly canned or preserved foods, as the bacterium thrives in low-oxygen environments. Symptoms can include blurred vision, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and breathing problems.
Alaska, California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington account for more than half of all foodborne outbreaks of botulism since 1950.
Table of Contents
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What is Food Poisoning?
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Common Types of Foodborne Illnesses
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Causes of Food Poisoning
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Contamination During the Processing of Foods
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Symptoms and Complications from Eating Contaminated Foods
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Common Types of Food Poisoning Victims
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What Should I Do if I Am Experiencing Food Poisoning Symptoms?
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What Compensation or Damages Can I Recover From Food Poisoning Cases?
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When to Contact a Portland Food Poisoning Lawyer?
Causes of Food Poisoning
- Poor Food Handling and Preparation:
Food can become contaminated if it is not handled or prepared properly. This includes improper storage, inadequate cooking temperatures, cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, and lack of hygiene practices in the kitchen. - Contaminated Water:
Water sources contaminated with harmful microorganisms can lead to foodborne illnesses. This can occur when fruits and vegetables are washed with contaminated water or when drinking water is polluted. - Raw or Undercooked Meat and Poultry:
Eating raw or undercooked meat and poultry is a common cause of food poisoning. These can be contaminated with bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, which can cause severe illness if not properly cooked. - Unpasteurized Dairy Products:
Raw or unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other dairy products can harbor harmful bacteria such as Listeria and E. coli. Pasteurization is a process that kills these bacteria, so consuming unpasteurized products increases the risk of food poisoning. - Contaminated Fruits and Vegetables:
Fresh produce can become contaminated during various stages of production and processing, including growing, harvesting, transportation, and preparation. Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, causing foodborne illness. - Seafood and Shellfish:
Raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels, can be contaminated with viruses or bacteria like Vibrio and norovirus. These can cause severe cases of food poisoning. - Cross-Contamination:
Cross-contamination occurs when bacteria from one food item are transferred to another. This can happen when raw foods come into contact with ready-to-eat foods or when cutting boards, utensils, or surfaces are not properly cleaned and sanitized.
Contamination During the Processing of Foods
The processing of food involves various steps, including sorting, washing, cutting, packaging, and storing. Each of these steps presents opportunities for contamination, which can have detrimental effects on consumer health.
A common source of contamination during food processing is the presence of harmful bacteria. These bacteria can be introduced to the food during various stages of processing, such as when raw ingredients are handled or when equipment and utensils are not properly cleaned and sanitized.
Symptoms and Complications from Eating Contaminated Foods
Symptoms may appear within hours or days after consuming the contaminated food.
One of the most common symptoms of food poisoning is gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain or cramps.
These symptoms can last for several days or even weeks. In some cases, individuals may also experience fever, which is a sign that the immune system is actively fighting the infection.
Certain types of bacteria, such as E. coli and Salmonella, can cause more severe complications.
For example, E. coli infections can lead to a condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which affects the kidneys and can result in kidney failure. HUS is particularly dangerous for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Salmonella infections can also lead to serious complications, including reactive arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling, and septicemia, a condition where the infection spreads to the bloodstream.
Food Poisoning Victims
Food poisoning is a widespread issue that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. While anyone can fall victim to a bout of food poisoning, there are certain groups of people who may be more susceptible to experiencing severe complications.
- Young Children:
Young children, especially infants, and toddlers, have immune systems that are still developing and may not be as strong as an adult. As a result, they are more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses. Additionally, their smaller bodies can quickly become dehydrated, leading to more severe symptoms. - Older Adults:
As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making them more susceptible to infections, including food poisoning. Older adults may also have underlying health conditions that further compromise their immune systems. - Pregnant Women:
Pregnant women experience changes in their immune systems, making them more susceptible to certain types of food poisoning, such as Listeria infections. Listeria can have severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn child, potentially leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or developmental issues. - Individuals with Weakened Immune Systems:
People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or individuals with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from foodborne illnesses. These individuals may have a harder time fighting off infections, which can lead to more severe symptoms and longer recovery times. - Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions:
Certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and liver disease, can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to infections. Moreover, the symptoms of food poisoning can exacerbate their existing health conditions and lead to further complications.
What Should I Do if I Am Experiencing Food Poisoning Symptoms?
Here are the steps you should take if you suspect you have fallen victim to food poisoning in Portland, Oregon:
1. Seek Medical Attention:
Contact your healthcare provider or visit an urgent care center or emergency room, especially if your symptoms are severe or persistent. A healthcare professional can evaluate your condition, provide necessary treatment, and document your illness, which may be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action. Also, keep any medical records, test results, hospital bills, or prescriptions related to your illness.
2. Report the Illness:
Contact your local health department to report your illness. Reporting helps public health officials identify potential outbreaks and take necessary measures to prevent further cases. It creates an official record of your illness, which may be essential if you decide to file a food poisoning lawsuit.
3. Gather Evidence:
Collect as much evidence as possible to support your case. This includes documenting the specific details of your illness, such as the types of food you consumed, the symptoms you experienced, and the timeline of events. If you have any leftover food, securely store it for testing, if needed.
4. Contact a Food Poisoning Lawyer:
To protect your rights and explore your legal options, it is advisable to consult with an experienced food poisoning lawyer at Goldberg & Loren. Our skilled attorneys can assess the merits of your case, guide you through the legal process, and help you pursue compensation for your damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
5. Follow Legal Advice:
Once you have hired Goldberg & Loren, follow your lawyer’s advice throughout the legal process. Remember to provide your attorney with all relevant information, including medical records, bills, and any correspondence related to your case.
6. Preserve Evidence:
It is important to preserve any evidence related to your food poisoning case. This includes keeping the contaminated food, if available, as well as any receipts, packaging, or labels related to the product. Preserve any communication records, such as emails, texts, or voicemails, with the responsible party or their representatives.
7. Know Your Rights:
Understanding your rights as a food poisoning victim is important. Our knowledgeable food poisoning attorneys can help you navigate the legal complexities and guide you toward the best course of action.
What Compensation or Damages Can I Recover From Food Poisoning Cases?
- Medical Expenses:
One of the primary types of damages you can recover in a food poisoning case is reimbursement for your medical expenses. This includes all costs associated with seeking medical attention, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, laboratory tests, medications, and any necessary follow-up care. - Lost Wages:
If your illness requires you to miss work or affects your ability to earn income, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages. This includes both the income you lost during your recovery period and any future earning capacity that may be impacted due to long-term consequences or disabilities resulting from the food poisoning. - Pain and Suffering:
Food poisoning can cause severe physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to provide monetary relief for the physical and emotional hardships you have endured as a result of the illness. The amount awarded for pain and suffering varies depending on the severity of your symptoms and the impact it has had on your daily life. - Rehabilitation and Therapy:
In some cases, food poisoning can result in long-term or permanent physical injuries that require ongoing rehabilitation or therapy. The cost of these treatments, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, or psychological counseling, may be included in your compensation package. - Loss of Enjoyment of Life:
If your food poisoning has caused a significant and lasting impact on your ability to enjoy life's activities, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life. This includes hobbies, social activities, sports, or any other recreational pursuits that you can no longer engage in due to your illness. - Wrongful Death Damges:
Tragically, some food poisoning cases can result in the death of a loved one. In such instances, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, and emotional pain and suffering.
The specific compensation and damages you may recover depend on the specific circumstances of your case, including the severity of your illness, the impact on your life, and the extent of the liable party’s negligence.
When to Contact a Portland Food Poisoning Lawyer?
- Severe Symptoms:
If you have been affected by severe symptoms of food poisoning that required medical attention, it is important to consult with a lawyer. Symptoms such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, or any other severe complications can have long-lasting medical implications and may warrant legal action. - Hospitalization:
Hospital stays can be expensive, and if your illness was caused by the negligence of a food-related business, you may be entitled to compensation to cover your medical bills, as well as any future treatment or rehabilitation expenses. - Long-Term Consequences:
In some cases, food poisoning can have long-term or even permanent consequences. If you are experiencing ongoing health complications or disabilities as a result of food poisoning, contact a lawyer who specializes in food safety to discuss your rights and potential compensation. - Lost Wages and Financial Impact:
Food poisoning can have a significant financial impact on victims. If your illness has caused you to miss work or has affected your ability to earn income, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and the impact on your future earning capacity. - Death From Food Poisoning:
In the unfortunate event that a loved one has died due to food poisoning, it is necessary to seek legal representation. A wrongful death claim may help ensure that the responsible party is held accountable for their actions and provide compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional pain and suffering.
Have you or a loved one suffered from food poisoning in Portland, Oregon?
Goldberg & Loren are experienced food poisoning lawyers who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. With years of experience in this field, we have a track record of success in holding negligent restaurants and food manufacturers accountable for their actions.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that food poisoning can take, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t suffer in silence. Call Goldberg & Loren today to schedule a free consultation, and let us fight for you.
Sources:
[1] Food Poisoning. (2021, May 27). FoodSafety.gov. https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning
[2] National Food Poisoning Statistics. (2019, August 8). edgarsnyder.com. https://www.edgarsnyder.com/food-poisoning/food-poisoning-statistics.html
Goldberg & Loren Personal Injury Attorneys
6500 S Macadam Ave #300,
Portland, OR 97239
(971) 339-8080
If you or loved one suffered serious food poisoning in Portland we can help. Contact us to find out if you have a case.
We Represent Those Who have Suffered Food Poisoning in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Oregon.
- Beaverton, OR
- Hillsboro, OR
- Vancouver, WA
- Clackamas County, OR
- Clark County, WA
- Columbia County, OR
- Multnomah County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Washington County, OR
- Skamania County, WA
- Yamhill County, OR
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