Have you suffered food poisoning in Columbus, Georgia? Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can help you determine whether another party may be responsible for your illness. A Columbus food poisoning lawyer can review your case and explain your options for pursuing compensation. Call (706) 940-4030 today to schedule a free consultation.
Food poisoning can lead to significant medical expenses, missed work, and serious health complications. These claims can also be difficult to prove because identifying the contaminated food and connecting it to a particular restaurant, manufacturer, or other party may require medical records, testing, and other evidence.
How Can the Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Help After Food Poisoning in Columbus?
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm has 26 years of legal experience representing injured people in Columbus, GA, and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. A Columbus personal injury lawyer from our firm can investigate your illness and gather evidence to determine whether another party may be responsible.
Our team can:
- Investigate the potential source of your illness
- Gather medical, health department, and other relevant records
- Identify other people who may have become sick from the same source
- Consult qualified experts when necessary
- Identify potentially liable parties and applicable insurance coverage
- Document your injuries and resulting losses
- Negotiate with insurers and other responsible parties
- File a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial when necessary
Food poisoning cases can require evidence connecting an illness to a particular source, making a timely investigation important. A Columbus food poisoning attorney can review the circumstances, preserve available evidence, and explain your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Overview of Food Poisoning Claims
Food poisoning is so common that many people may believe it is just something you have to deal with when it happens to you. The truth is that food poisoning is often the result of someone’s negligence. For instance, if a restaurant stores food at the wrong temperature, it could grow bacteria and cause serious illness. When someone else’s conduct causes your sickness, you may be able to hold that party responsible for your damages.
Some of the most common causes of food poisoning are:
- Bacteria and viruses
- Parasites
- Mold or mildew
- Toxins or contaminants
Restaurants, food processors, and other businesses involved in preparing or serving food are subject to safety requirements intended to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. These rules are in place to prevent food poisoning and keep the public safe. When a food handler fails to follow the rules, it could lead to one or more people suffering serious illness.
What Types of Damages Are Victims of Food Poisoning Entitled to Recover?
If another party is legally responsible for your food poisoning, you may be able to recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses.
Economic damages compensate victims for their monetary damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are those that compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain, and examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
We can help you identify all the damages that may be available in your case. This can help ensure that your claim accounts for the losses supported by the evidence.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Columbus Food Poisoning Lawyer?
Many personal injury lawyers handle food poisoning claims on a contingency fee basis. This generally means you do not pay attorney fees upfront. Instead, attorney fees are based on an agreed-upon percentage of the financial recovery obtained in your case.
The fee agreement should explain how attorney fees and case expenses are handled, including what happens if there is no recovery. Be sure to review these terms before hiring an attorney.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After Food Poisoning in Georgia?
Georgia generally provides a two-year limitations period for personal injury actions under O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. However, determining when the deadline begins and whether an exception applies can depend on the circumstances of the case.
Waiting too long can result in losing the right to pursue a claim. It can also make it more difficult to preserve evidence identifying the source of a foodborne illness. An attorney can determine the deadline that applies to your case and take steps to protect your claim.
Contact Our Columbus Food Poisoning Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Food poisoning can result in medical treatment, missed work, and other significant consequences. Determining where contaminated food came from and who may be responsible can require medical records, testing, health department information, and other evidence.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm can investigate the circumstances surrounding your illness and pursue a claim against any responsible parties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus food poisoning attorney.
