New Jersey Food Poisoning Lawyers

If you’re a parent, a news junkie, or simply a concerned citizen, you may have noticed the increase in recent stories involving food poisoning and the safety of our food supply. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), food poisoning affects 1 out of 6 Americans each and every year. While many of these cases pass quickly and seem no more dangerous than the common flu, food poisoning can be extremely dangerous – especially in children and the elderly. Occasionally, these food poisoning cases can be so serious, they may require long-term hospitalization, outrageous health care expenses, and even loss of pay. 

If you or a loved one now face sizeable expenses, you could be entitled to compensation from the restaurant, grocery chain, distributor or convenience store that exposed you to the illness. At Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, we have the experience necessary to assist you in filing your New Jersey food poisoning claim. We will aggressively fight for your rights, and help you obtain the food poisoning settlement or verdict you and your loved ones deserve. 

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What Are The Common Signs Of Food Poisoning? 

According to the CDC, symptoms can vary depending on the type of virus you’ve contracted, but the most common symptoms include:

  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever

More serious symptoms can manifest, including:

  • Bloody stools
  • High fever (temperature over 102°F, measured orally)
  • Frequent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down (which can lead to dehydration)
  • Signs of dehydration, including little or no urination, a very dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up.
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days

If you find yourself experiencing any of these more severe symptoms, be certain to contact a doctor or healthcare professional immediately. 

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The Common Causes Of Food Poisoning

Also referred to as Foodborne Illness, food poisoning can be contracted in a number of ways including improperly prepared foods, poor hygiene of the food preparer, or from a number of foodborne illness strains. Out of more than 250 strains, the most common include:

  • Salmonella (causes about 1 million cases per year): The leading cause of hospitalization and death, Salmonella is caused by undercooked eggs, unpasteurized milk or juice, poultry and peanut butter. Symptoms include fever, diarrhea and vomiting, and last for 4-6 days. 
  • E. Coli (causes about 200,000 cases per year): Comes from undercooked beef,  unpasteurized products and raw vegetables and can lead to kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and lasts between 5 – 10 days.
  • Norovirus (causes about 5.5 million cases per year): Norovirus has been known to occur on cruise ships and is caused by contaminated drinking water, shellfish and improperly handled food.  Symptoms include vomiting, fever, diarrhea and headache. Symptoms last between 12 – 60 hours.
  • Typically, this strain of foodborne illness occurs on Cruise Ships, in hospitals, and at fine dining restaurants. Norovirus is a highly infectious strain of food poisoning and is responsible for more than half of all food poisoning reports.
  • Shigella (causes about 130,000 cases per year): Caused by a bacterial agent, Shigella is found in raw produce, contaminated water and uncooked foods. The most common symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhea. Symptoms last between 1-2 days. 

To see a current list of the most recent recalls and outbreaks, visit:

How To File A Food Poisoning Lawsuit In New Jersey

The first step in filing a food poisoning lawsuit is by finding the right food poisoning lawyer to handle your claim. Here at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari, we have years of experience fighting for the rights and health safety of families like yours. Contact us today to see how we can help guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Poisoning Lawsuits

FAQ: Is there a statute of limitations involved with food poisoning lawsuits?

Yes! It is incredibly important to seek out an experienced and skilled attorney immediately, so contact Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari now to ensure your rights are preserved!

FAQ: Which government organization is responsible for the safety of our food supply?

The most important organizations in monitoring our food today include the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and your local health department.

FAQ: How do I report food poisoning in New Jersey?

We can help you contact the local health department.

FAQ: Are there any examples of food poisoning lawsuit cases and food poisoning settlement amounts?

Over the years, there have been a number of food poisoning lawsuit cases, and more are continuously filed each day. Here are just a few examples:

ConAgra Peanut Butter Settlement: While the settlement amount was confidential, a major outbreak lead to more than 750 victims suing the food producer over salmonella-tainted peanut butter.
The Great Maple Leaf Listeria Outbreak: The Canadian food distributor faced an outbreak of Listeria that killed 20 people and caused thousands more to become violently ill. Maple Leaf foods paid out almost $27 million to the victims.
The Holiday Inn at Fisherman’s Wharf: In 1988 William Kirkparick of Redding, CA was poisoned by raw oysters at the Holiday Inn at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco and received a settlement of $1 million, the largest award ever in a food product liability case at the time.