Syracuse, New York, Foreign Object In Food Injury

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Recognized as a Super Lawyer and American Institute of Trial Lawyers Litigator of the Year, is Committed to Defending the Rights of Foreign Object in Food Accident Victims. If You, or a Loved One, Have Been Injured in a Syracuse or Onondaga County Foodborne Illness or Foreign Object in Food Accident That Was Not Your Fault, You Deserve Effective, Aggressive Representation and a New York Personal Injury Lawyer Willing to Fight for Your Rights.

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You would not go out to eat at a restaurant or buy groceries from a supermarket if you knew that your next meal might make you sick. Although most Syracuse businesses work hard to make sure their customers stay safe, accidents still happen and they happen far more often than they should. If and when foreign objects make their way into food, the risk of illness and injury can increase drastically, leaving victims deep in debt and unable to make ends meet.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. believes that nobody should have to bear the burden of the food industry’s negligence. Since our founding in 2005, we have fought to protect the rights of foreign object in food accident victims, securing more than $250 million for our personal injury clients in Syracuse and across the region. Please send us a message online or call us at 1-866-529-5334 to speak to an attorney and schedule your 100% free, no-obligation consultation.

Foreign Objects In Food

A foreign object in food is any unexpected material that is not ordinarily part of the product and which can cause injury or death. Foreign objects can contaminate restaurant meals and supermarket produce in a various way including during processing, distribution, and even serving.

Here is what you need to know about foreign objects in food accidents:

The Most Common Sites of Foreign Objects in Food Accidents

A foreign object in food accident can happen almost anywhere that food is served.

Some of the most common sites of foreign objects in food accidents include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Restaurants;
2. Bars and cafes;
3. Events and meeting venues;
4. Supermarkets; and
5. Butcher shops, delis, and bakeries.

Although any foreign object has the potential to inflict serious injuries, some contaminants pose greater risks than others.

The Different Types of Contaminants

Foreign objects can infiltrate food products at every stage in the supply chain.

Contaminants are not only items that can be found in a restaurant or supermarket, they can also include industrial materials, used during the processing and distribution processes.

According to a recently published food safety review, some of the most common contaminants of concern include:

1. Glass;
2. Wood;
3. Stone;
4. Needles;
5. Metal;
6. Insects;
7. Insulation;
8. Bone;
9. Plastic; and
10. Personal effects.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that, in the past, glass was a leading cause of all foreign object complaints, exposures, and injuries. In some cases, consumers reported finding very small shards of glass in products like chocolate bars and baby formula.

Potential Causes And Sources Of Food Contamination

Almost every type of business that handles food is subject to a bevy of rules set at the state and local levels. Many of these regulations mandate procedures to avoid the contamination of food products, both by foreign objects and by bacteria. Oftentimes, foreign objects make their way into food after businesses take too many liberties with industry standard practices.

In fact, foreign object in food accidents are almost always attributable to negligence. Negligence can include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Inadequate policies. Any businesses that serve or sell food must implement policies to mitigate the risk of contamination. If a business fails to implement common-sense policies, they could be found liable for the cost of any resulting injury or illness.
2. Improper training. Food industry businesses are typically expected to train employees in proper food handling techniques. Similarly, agricultural workers, truck drivers, and other people involved in the supply chain must follow strict rules to avoid spoilage. If they are not properly trained, they may take risks with food products.
3. Insufficient maintenance. Many food packaging processes take place in factories. Without sufficient maintenance, some machines can degrade with prolonged use, potentially shedding fragments of metal, plastic, or glass into pre-packaged food.
4. Employee negligence. Employee negligence is a leading cause of foreign object in food accidents in restaurants. If a line cook or server is not attentive, they could transfer utensils, bones, or other unexpected materials into a customer’s meal.
5. Supply chain failures. Simple mistakes, like moving a pallet with too much force or letting meat sit too long outside during unloading, could introduce foreign objects into packaged food.

Holding a restaurant or big-name food distributor liable for a foreign object injury is rarely easy, but the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. believes that nobody should be forced to pay the price for an accident that was not their fault. If you have been injured by a foreign object in food or experienced food poisoning after eating out, our experienced team of personal injury lawyers could help you assert your right to a fair recovery. Please send us a message or call us at 1-866-529-5334 to speak to an attorney and schedule your 100% free, no-obligation consultation.

The Consequences Of A Foreign Object In Food Accident

Eating or swallowing a foreign object can have profound and potentially life-altering consequences. Although the severity of injuries is often dependent on a variety of factors, such as the material’s composition and structure, common injuries can include:

1. Cuts and lacerations;
2. Dental injuries, like broken or chipped teeth;
3. Internal bleeding and organ damage;
4. Illness, which can be caused by foodborne bacteria or pathogens attached to a foreign object; and
5. Wrongful death.

Foreign objects can also cause extensive complications during treatment.

Even if an initial physical injury is mild, doctors may have to perform surgery to remove microscopic shards of glass or metal. Surgery, as well as the use of many medications, can make the body more susceptible to infection, an infection that requires further treatment and more money. In other cases, contaminants on the foreign object can introduce bacteria to the body, provoking illness and triggering a strong immune response.

Your Potential Damages After A Foreign Object In Food Accident

If you have been injured in a foreign object in food accident that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has spent decades helping accident victims fight for their rights. A recognized U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firm, our attorneys can investigate the causes of your accident, building a compelling and evidence-based case for compensation.

Depending on the circumstances of your accident, we could:

1. Investigate the cause of your injury;
2. Determine how, where, and when your food was contaminated;
3. Identify potential defendants;
4. Assess your damages; and
5. Represent your interests, both in settlement negotiations and in court.

Although your potential compensation is determined by a wide range of factors, insurance settlements and court-ordered awards should account for your existing injuries and your longer-term needs. Common damages include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Your existing medical debt;
2. Your anticipated care needs;
3. Physical rehabilitation;
4. Lost income from work;
5. Diminished earning potential;
6. Emotional pain and suffering;
7. Physical pain and suffering;
8. Loss of enjoyment;
9. Disfigurement; and
10. Wrongful death.

New York does not currently cap damages in most personal injury cases, but you cannot wait too long to take action. If you do not contact an attorney, critical evidence could be lost or the state statute of limitations could lapse. Do not take chances with your recovery: send the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. a message online or call us at 1-866-529-5334 to speak to a personal injury lawyer near Syracuse and schedule your 100% free consultation as soon as possible.

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Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 1-866-529-5334 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Syracuse, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!

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