Food poisoning

Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, but sometimes deadly illness.  About 5.5 million people in the UK suffer from food poisoning each year, although only a small number get medical advice.  If you have suffered from food poisoning, you may be able to claim compensation.

Causes and symptoms

Food poisoning happens when food or drink is contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses or sometimes even chemicals or pesticides.  It is often hard to tell if food and drink are contaminated because the look, taste and smell may not be affected.

Food poisoning can be caused by not cooking or storing food properly or poor hygiene where food is being produced or prepared.  The most common symptoms are:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Fatigue.
  

In most cases health problems last for only a few days, however, sometimes the problems can be more serious and long-lasting, particularly if the victim is very old or very young.  Common causes are campylobacter, clostridia, E.Coli, listeria, salmonella and shigella. 

Compensation for food poisoning

If you’ve had food poisoning, as well as getting medical treatment, you should speak to your local Environmental Health Department.  You may also be able to claim compensation against the manufacturer or the seller. 

Claims Direct use specialist personal injury lawyers who have experience of dealing with food poisoning claims.  As well as getting compensation for pain and suffering, you can also claim for time off work and the cost of medical treatment. 

Claims Direct can help

Call Claims Direct now on 0800 884 0321 for a free first discussion about your food poisoning claim.  As well as ensuring you get compensation, we will also make sure you get the right treatment to get better.

You can speak to a trained representative, or leave your details on our online web form and we'll call you right back.