What is Listeriosis?
Recently, it is all over the news that Dole packaged salads have been recalled throughout several states due to a listeria scare. Likewise, when the bacterium listeria monocytogenes is ingested it can lead to listeria contamination which is a serious infection that can make you or loved ones very ill. Tragically, at least one person has died from the most recent Dole recall.
What Are the Symptoms?
Although symptoms of listeria can vary from person to person, the most common signs of an infection are:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
- Loss of balance
Women who are pregnant, the very young, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are most likely to be the ones greatly affected by listeria.
What Is Included in the Recall?
Furthermore, tainted salad was packaged and processed in a facility in Springfield, Ohio and were sold under the following brand names:
- Dole
- Fresh Selections
- Simple Truth
- Marketside
- The Little Salad Bar
- President’s Choice Organics
The effected salad mixes have a letter “A” at the start of the manufacturing code, which is found on the front of the package.
What Should I Do If Ate the Recalled Salad?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if you have eaten a recalled salad mix, and are experiencing no symptoms, no additional tests or treatments are needed. However, if you exhibit any of the above mentioned symptoms, you must be promptly evaluated by a medical professional. Likewise, listeriosis is treated with antibiotics and prompt medical intervention is critical especially to people with serious medical problems. Sadly, death can be a tragic result of listeria poisoning so it is very important to seek medical care accordingly if you believe you have encountered such contamination.
Food Poisoning Lawsuits
It seems over the past few years there has been an increase in the amount of food poisoning related illnesses, and many people who have been affected may wonder if they have a personal injury case. If you or a loved one has been affected by a food recall, such a lawsuit would typically be placed in the category of product liability; the defective product (food) injured or harmed you.
It is important to keep in mind that although a product may have sickened or injured you or a family member, each state carries its own product liability laws, which can be very strict and therefore you will need the assistance of a skilled Kansas City product liability attorney.
Furthermore, in a product liability lawsuit there are many other complexities that must be proven as well, and the case must be filed within the state’s statue of limitations which again requires the assistance of a qualified Kansas City personal injury attorney.
The esteemed product liability attorneys at Klenofsky & Steward, LLC have handled numerous personal injury cases and can help you. We will guide you through the litigation process and help you every step of the way. We have the knowledge and backing to go up against large consumer manufactures to make sure you receive the fair financial compensation you deserve. Please contact us today for a free consultation.
