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Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers

When food makes you or your loved ones seriously ill, it’s more than just an upset stomach—it can be life-changing. From E. coli and Salmonella to norovirus and Listeria, foodborne illnesses can lead to severe symptoms, long-term health problems, and even death. That’s where food safety lawyers come in.

If you’ve suffered after eating contaminated food, understanding what a food safety lawyer does—and how they can help—is an important step toward justice. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the Role of a Food Safety Lawyer

Food safety lawyers handle cases involving foodborne illnesses and contamination. They represent individuals and families who have been harmed by unsafe or improperly handled food from restaurants, grocery stores, manufacturers, or distributors.

These attorneys understand the science behind foodborne pathogens, how outbreaks happen, and how to identify the responsible parties. Their job is to investigate, prove negligence, and fight for compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by the illness.

What Kinds of Cases Do They Handle?

Food safety lawyers work on a wide range of contamination cases. These often involve:

  • Undercooked or spoiled meat and poultry
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • Contaminated produce
  • Cross-contamination in restaurant kitchens
  • Poor hygiene in food handling or preparation
  • Improper temperature control or food storage

Foodborne illness cases can be complex, especially when multiple businesses or suppliers are involved. A lawyer’s job is to trace the illness back to its source and hold the negligent party accountable.

Common Pathogens Behind Food Poisoning Cases

Some of the most common bacteria and viruses that trigger food poisoning lawsuits include:

  • E. coli – Often found in undercooked beef or leafy greens
  • Salmonella – Linked to raw eggs, poultry, or produce
  • Listeria – Dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and older adults
  • Campylobacter – Common in undercooked poultry
  • Norovirus – Typically spread through poor hand hygiene or contaminated surfaces

These pathogens can cause intense gastrointestinal symptoms and lead to serious complications like kidney failure or neurological issues.

How Food Safety Lawyers Investigate Illness Cases

Proving that a specific food item made you sick isn’t always simple. That’s why food safety lawyers work with medical experts, epidemiologists, and public health authorities to pinpoint the source of the contamination.

The Legal Investigation Process

Here’s how a food safety lawyer typically builds a case:

  • Gathering Medical Records – These help confirm your diagnosis and identify the pathogen.
  • Collecting Evidence – This can include receipts, food packaging, or leftover food.
  • Lab Testing – Stool samples or other testing help confirm what made you sick.
  • Cooperating with Health Officials – Your case may be part of a larger outbreak or linked to a recalled product.
  • Identifying the Liable Party – This could be a restaurant, store, food producer, or supplier.

A strong case relies on both scientific evidence and legal expertise. Your lawyer will build a clear link between your illness and the food source.

Why Hiring a Food Safety Lawyer Matters

Going up against a major food company or insurance provider isn’t easy. These businesses are often quick to deny responsibility or minimize your claim. An experienced food safety lawyer can help level the playing field.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If your lawyer proves that contaminated food made you sick, you may be eligible for compensation, including:

A food safety lawyer will make sure the full impact of your illness is factored into your claim.

When to Contact a Food Safety Lawyer

If you believe your illness was caused by contaminated food—especially if others got sick after eating the same thing—it’s important to speak with a food safety lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and begin the investigation.

Don’t rely on a company to do the right thing on its own. They may apologize or offer a refund, but that won’t cover your medical bills or lost wages. A lawyer ensures you’re taken seriously and pushes for accountability.

Get Help from OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers

At OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, we focus solely on helping people hurt by unsafe food. We know how devastating a foodborne illness can be, and we have the experience and resources to take on big companies and win.

If you or a loved one became sick after eating contaminated food, don’t wait. Our team is ready to fight for you.

 Call (888) 828-7087 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers help you hold the responsible party accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.

Notable Recoveries

$10 million

Seven infants were sickened after consuming a contaminated food product marketed to infants

$6.5 million

Verdict on behalf of a little boy who contracted a severe Salmonella infection from chicken

$7.55 million

Verdict on behalf of a little girl who contracted E. coli at a petting zoo

$2.25 million

E. coli infections contracted from a major fast food chain

$45 million

An over-the-counter medication caused severe kidney damage to multiple users

$3.4 million

A pregnant woman contracted a Listeria infection from contaminated fruit and passed the infection to her child

$3 million

Multistate Cyclospora outbreaks

$275,000

A couple contracted Salmonella from a restaurant

$525,000

A pedestrian was struck by a left-turning car, fracturing her tibia

$700,000

A semi-truck rear-ended a motorcyclist causing a collapsed lung, rib fractures and road rash