My Food Advocate From the Desk of Richard J. Arsenault

Foodborne Illness Attorneys

Your browser does not have Flash Player 9 or higher installed. Click here to download the latest version of the Flash Player.
I Think I Have Food Poisoning, What Should I Do?

Contaminated foods and beverages sicken millions of Americans each year.  According to the CDC, an estimated 76 million people get foodborne illnesses and food poisoning each year, of those, about 325,000 people will require hospitalization and 5,000 foodborne illness victims will die. Serious long term complications can occur from a foodborne illness which can lead to a lifetime of health problems.

If you have questions about your foodborne illness, this Web site offers resources to help you find answers. For nearly three decades, the food poisoning lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have assisted thousands of people with foodborne illnesses. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.

What made you sick?

Foodborne illnesses can be caused by improper food handling and processing. Some cases are caused by inadequate preparation, where meat or chicken are undercooked. Other cases are caused by defective products, such as contaminated bottled water, or by the improper storage of perishable foods. Food workers can cause contamination by failing to wash their hands after using the bath room. Some of the dangerous bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses include Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli.
> More information on the Causes of Foodborne Illness and Specific Foodborne Illnesses.

What kinds of foods are associated with foodborne illness?

Raw meat and poultry, raw eggs, unpasteurized milk and raw shellfish are the most likely to be contaminated. Surprisingly, even fresh fruits and vegetables, when consumed raw, pose a concern.
> More information on Dangerous Foods.

What agencies protect the public from foodborne illnesses?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Marine Fisheries Service are among the agencies charged with overseeing food safety. Health agencies in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi monitor food safety and outbreaks at the state level.
> More information on Agencies Responsible for Food Safety.

Am I at risk?

The elderly, the very young, pregnant women and those that have weakened immune systems have the greatest risk of developing a foodborne illness. But everyone is vulnerable -- you can be perfectly healthy, eat a good diet and still become dangerously or deathly ill from food contamination.
> More information: Are You at Risk for Food Poisoning?

Where are you likely to get ill?

Most foodborne illnesses are the result of home-cooked meals, but they can be caused by meals at restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools and businesses.  Even if you follow every precaution, you can still get sick from E. coli, Salmonella and other disease causing pathogens because the contamination can be caused by elements outside of your control, including improper storage, unsanitary food handling and faulty processing.
> More information on Where Are You Likely to Get Ill?

How can I protect myself against foodborne illness?

We have a list of suggestions to help you avoid many of the most commonly transmitted illnesses.
> More information on Protecting Yourself from Foodborne Illness.

What are my legal options?

At Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, we understand the serious complications and financial consequences that foodborne illnesses can cause. The food poisoning lawyers of Neblett, Beard & Arsenault believe that food safety should be a top national priority and we advocate for that every day on behalf of our clients in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and across the country.

If you or a loved one has gotten seriously ill from eating contaminated food, contact our foodborne illness attorneys by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form. We offer a free evaluation of your case and we can help you protect your legal rights. If you have a valid claim, we can help you recover money for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses related to your illness.