San Jose Salmonella Attorney
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It is often found in raw or undercooked foods like poultry, eggs, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. People who consume food or water contaminated with Salmonella can get sick. Most recover without medical treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization.
Common Causes of Salmonella Outbreaks
Salmonella outbreaks are often linked to the following:
- Raw or Undercooked Eggs and Poultry: Eating chicken, turkey, or eggs that haven’t been cooked thoroughly.
- Contaminated Fresh Produce: Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables can become contaminated through irrigation water or improper handling.
- Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Milk and cheeses that haven’t been pasteurized can carry Salmonella if the source animals are infected.
- Processed Foods: Foods like peanut butter, pre-packaged meals, and frozen foods can be contaminated during manufacturing if the ingredients are not properly handled.
- Cross-Contamination: Using the same cutting boards or utensils for raw meats and other foods without cleaning.
- Contact with Infected Animals: Handling pets, especially reptiles like turtles and snakes, or visiting petting zoos.
Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include:
- Diarrhea: Often the most common symptom, which can be severe and lead to dehydration.
- Fever: A high temperature usually accompanies the infection.
- Abdominal Cramps: Stomach pain and cramping are typical.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and sometimes vomiting.
- Headache: Some people may also experience headaches.
- Chills: Shivering or feeling cold, often due to the fever.
These symptoms typically appear between 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and last around 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without medical treatment, but it can be more serious for young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems.
Recent Outbreaks
Salmonella outbreaks in the U.S. are significant public health concerns. Most recently being:
- Cucumbers (2024): An outbreak associated with cucumbers contaminated with Salmonella Braenderup and Salmonella Africana affected 449 people across 31 states. The contamination was traced to canal water used by a supplier in Florida, leading to 125 hospitalizations (FDA).
- Raw Milk (2024): A major outbreak linked to Raw Farm in Fresno, California, sickened at least 165 people, making it the largest U.S. outbreak related to raw milk in a decade (CDF).
- Backyard Poultry (2024): Contact with backyard poultry caused a multistate outbreak involving 195 people across 38 states, causing 50 hospitalizations. The outbreak was linked to several Salmonella strains, with many infections traced back to chicks purchased from hatcheries (CDC).
- Flour (2023): Gold Medal flour was linked to an outbreak that resulted in 14 cases across 13 states, with three hospitalizations. The contamination occurred at a facility previously associated with foodborne illness (FDA).
- Onions (2023): Gills brand diced onions were responsible for an outbreak that resulted in 80 illnesses across 23 states, leading to 18 hospitalizations and one death (CDC).
How a Salmonella Attorney Can Help
A San Jose Salmonella Attorney can be highly instrumental in helping victims of foodborne illnesses seek justice and obtain compensation. A San Jose Salmonella lawyer can assist by investigating the source of the contamination, identifying responsible parties, and building a strong case against those at fault. They can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Furthermore, a San Jose Salmonella attorney will meticulously calculate the value of your case and recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. That way, you will be fairly compensated for your current and future losses.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has become ill due to Salmonella poisoning in San Jose, reach out to The Lange Law Firm. We offer free consultations, call (833) 330-3663 or message us through our online form to arrange a time today.