Contaminated Food Compensation Claims
Irrespective of whether you live to eat or eat to live there is no disputing that food is essential for life to exist. Whatever our preferred food choices are it is imperative that we ensure they are relatively free from bacterial contamination. This is because in comparison to other mammals the human stomach is only able to tolerate low levels of harmful bacteria. As a result food intended for human consumption has to be prepared with the upmost care and attention to guard consumers against the possibility of serious illness. If you have reason to believe you have contracted a gastrointestinal illness through eating contaminated food purchased from an establishment preparing and selling food for takeaway or to eat on the premises you may be eligible for compensation.
What are the Sources of Possible Contamination?
The majority of food they consumed by people these days is likely to have been purchased at a Supermarket due to their dominance of the retail food sector. However, there is still a reliance in some quarters on smaller local businesses like butchers and greengrocers. Eating out is now a very popular pastimes with a lot more options available to us in the form of restaurants, bistros and cafes. When visiting this sort of establishment there has to be an element of trust that the staff possess the relevant knowledge and skills to ensure food is prepared thoroughly.
Wherever we purchase the food we eat from we have a right to expect that it has been correctly prepared and is free from contamination. All establishments selling food whether to eat in or consume off the premises are subject to regular hygiene checks and regulations. This is to ensure customers are not at danger of contracting an illness by eating food prepared and sold by them. Failure by a food supplier to strictly apply these regulations could result in them becoming liable to compensation claims from consumers who become ill as a result of eating contaminated food prepared by them.
What are the Most Common Causes of Food Contamination?
Food poisoning is usually the result of consumers eating contaminated or poorly prepared food. The types of bacteria that generally cause food poisoning are e coli, listeria, salmonella, Norovirus and Botulism all of which can usually be traced back to improper canning and preservation of food products.
One thing that can lead to food becoming unfit for consumption is the environment in which it is prepared. The risk of contamination often increases when food is being produced in large quantities on an industrial scale. The pressure on those preparing the food to work to tight deadlines could possibly result in them taking short cuts where hygiene is concerned. In such cases the chances of food becoming contaminated will significantly increase.
Certain types of food are considered to be more at risk of contamination, for example dishes containing mayonnaise may well deteriorate quickly. The reason that these types of food are considered high risk is that they are an ideal environment for the generation and propagation of bacteria. If high risk foods such as white meat are not cooked thoroughly it will significantly increase the possibility of anyone eating it contracting food poisoning.
Failure by anyone preparing the food to adequately clean and disinfect surfaces or utensils that are likely to come into contact with raw meat products is a common cause of infection. Irregular hand washing, before and after handling raw meat such as chicken, along with the incorrect storage of uncooked meats also ranks highly as a reason why people become victims of food poisoning.
What are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
The results of eating contaminated food can be not only unpleasant but also extremely dangerous for the infected person. Symptoms are broadly flu like in character, accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach cramps. These symptoms are likely to last for several days or even longer, with recovery times extending into weeks or sometimes months before you are completely back to full fitness. In the most severe cases food poisoning can also be fatal.
The incubation period for the bacteria responsible for food poisoning can be several days, meaning that tracing the source of the infection can be difficult. This is often because the infected person may not be able to remember exactly what they had eaten in the days prior to becoming unwell. Even if the infected person can remember exactly what they had eaten before feeling ill, they may find it impossible to pinpoint the exact food that caused the problem.
Wondering How Much You Can Claim for Contaminated Foods?
How Long do I Have to Make a Contaminated Food Compensation claim?
Compensation Amounts
Need more information? Don’t worry, one of our professional claims solicitors will advise you along the way
Contact us on 0800 699 0079 or via our online contact form to start your claim today!
Food Poisoning Resulting in loss of Life
In the most severe cases food poisoning can sometimes result in loss of life. If you find yourself where a loved one has lost their life as a result of being given contaminated food it is possible you could receive a compensation amount of:
Up to £307,000
Severe Toxicosis
If you suffer from severe toxicosis as a result of food poisoning contracted from eating contaminated or undercooked food, you may be entitled to a compensation amount of:
Up to £46,040
Serious Short Lived Food Poisoning
If you become the victim of food poisoning that makes you seriously unwell for a short period of time through no fault of your own it is possible you will be able to make a claim for compensation of:
Up to £16,830
Significant Food Poisoning
In the case of you contracting food poisoning after eating food that has not been prepared correctly by another party such as a supermarket, café or restaurant you could receive a compensation amount of:
Up to £8,360
Minor to Moderate Food Poisoning
Even if the level of food poisoning you suffer from is relatively mild you can still claim compensation. For minor or moderate bouts of food poisoning contracted as a result of the negligence of a third party you could receive an amount of:
Up to £3,460
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tylers a No Win No Fee Personal Injury Solicitors?
Here at Tylers we pride ourselves om offering clients a no win no fee legal service. The aim of which is to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation available to you. All our services are provided on a no win no fee basis meaning there is no requirement to make any payment up front. Any fees due to us will be taken out of the settlement amount if your claim is unsuccessful there will no cost to you. As a result of our no win, no fee personal injury service you can begin your claim immediately without worrying about any associated costs.
Why Should you Choose Tylers Solicitors for your Contaminated Food Compensation Claims?
The Food Standards Agency is the government department responsible for public health in relation to hygiene and Food Safety. Governments have also legislated in recent years to ensure that food industry is adequately regulated to ensure the maintenance of public health. Among the acts of parliament that apply to food safety are the sale of goods act (1979) and the consumer protection act (1987).
The provisions contained within these Acts state that you may be able to claim compensation if any food you buy turns out to be contaminated either by bacteria or by foreign objects such as glass or metal. If you have suffered food poisoning or injury as a result of eating contaminated food bought from a supermarket, or eaten at a restaurant, cafe or takeaway, then you may be entitled to compensation under the provisions of these Acts. The law is on your side and so are Tylers Solicitors, our expert team of lawyers will look at your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have suffered as a result of food contamination then you may be able to make a claim. Call Tylers today on (freephone): 0800 699 0079 to see if you can make a claim today.
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