May 2, 2021
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Food is not supposed to make you sick. But when you eat contaminated food or drink unsafe water, you can get food poisoning or foodborne illness. How long food poisoning lasts can vary, depending on:
Sometimes food poisoning is caused by someone’s negligence. But food manufacturers and sellers also have a strict duty to ensure that the food they sell you is unadulterated. So if you are sickened by contaminated food, beverage, or drinking water through no fault of your own, contact a food poisoning lawyer. You may have significant medical bills and suffer for an extended time.
The length of time you experience symptoms will mainly depend on which type of food poisoning you have, how contaminated the food was, and how seriously the infection takes hold.
An E. coli infection is commonly contracted by eating contaminated foods such as unpasteurized milk, apple cider, soft cheeses, or by drinking unclean water. Several recent outbreaks have also been linked to contaminated leafy greens. A foodborne illness caused by E. coli typically lasts about 5 to 10 days. But some people, especially children, may develop a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
If that happens to you, it could be life-threatening and may impact your life forever. Therefore, you should see a doctor, visit an urgent care center, or go to the nearest ER if you have symptoms of an E. coli infection.
Hepatitis A is a potentially deadly infection transmitted through contaminated food or water. It can also be transmitted from person to person through close contact. This infection typically clears up within two months. However, it may permanently affect your liver function.
Cyclospora is an infection that causes prolonged diarrhea that almost always requires a specific antibiotic to recover. The illness can last for weeks or months, and the symptoms can even clear up and reappear later.
Listeria infections are bacterial and typically cause a mild illness. But they are particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems. This infection is found in unpasteurized dairy products, fruits and vegetables, deli meats, smoked seafood, or any other food contaminated during an unsafe production process.
Listeria has a long incubation period of 7-70 days, and it can spread beyond the gut.
Salmonella is a bacterium that often causes food poisoning from meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and spices. You may have symptoms within eight to 72 hours after exposure. The acute infection typically lasts between two and seven days, though diarrhea can last up to 10 days. Medical treatment is necessary for severe cases, especially if you become dehydrated.
In some cases, a Salmonella infection can lead to a serious complication called Reactive Arthritis (or Reiter’s Syndrome).
Food poisoning has many symptoms. Depending on the kind of food poisoning you have, these symptoms may vary in severity and the length of time you experience them.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention or the CDC, some of the most common symptoms for generic food poisoning include:
Unfortunately, sometimes the only thing you can do with a foodborne illness is wait for it to pass. In the meantime, drink plenty of clear liquids to avoid dehydration.
You may need to see a doctor if you have:
If contaminated food caused your illness, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held legally responsible when unsafe food practices lead to serious harm.
Compensation may cover:
Speaking with an experienced food poisoning attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
Most mild cases resolve within 24 to 48 hours, but certain infections, such as E. coli, Listeria, or Cyclospora, can persist for days or even weeks. Recovery time depends on the specific pathogen, the amount consumed, and your overall health. Severe cases may require antibiotics or hospitalization.
Rest and hydration are critical to recovery. Drinking small amounts of water or electrolyte beverages and eating bland foods once tolerated can help your body heal. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications unless directed by a doctor, as they may prolong the illness.
Food poisoning becomes serious if you experience high fever, bloody stool, severe dehydration, or persistent vomiting. Vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals should seek care sooner. Emergency treatment may be necessary to prevent complications.
Yes, you may have a legal claim if the negligence of a restaurant, store, or manufacturer caused your illness. Victims can often recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. A food safety attorney can investigate the source of contamination and guide you through the claims process.
If you get sick from eating contaminated food, you may be eligible to get compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Call OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers at (888) 828-7087 for a free consultation. We are also available via our online contact form.
