Deadly Food Borne Illness: Part 1 – Botulism
The news media frequently reports on massive recalls of foods that have been discovered to carry some form of bacteriological or other contamination. As reported in the midst of all the other dreary news that makes its way over broadcast waves, these reports are often brushed aside with little or no concern for those directly affected by the outbreak. But when someone who you love and upon whom you depend upon is killed by an illness or disease that he or she has contracted from tainted food, it all becomes strikingly real. Botulism is one of the serious illnesses that can be foodborne.
The growers, ranchers, meatpackers, and others who handle food before it gets to you are supposed to adhere to rigid safety protocols that are designed to protect consumers from poisoning. Their failures may constitute grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. To learn more, contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511.
Botulism Sources and Symptoms
Though botulism is not always fatal, it does carry a serious mortality risk that escalates significantly for older individuals who are stricken by the toxins emitted by the bacteria. The effects of the illness in a severe case require immediate emergency medical care, but even that may not be obtained quickly enough to make a difference. It is commonly contracted due to the consumption of improperly home-canned foods and infected fish, but it is also found in commercially produced meats and other products. Symptoms and effects of botulism include:
- Firstly, paralysis of the facial muscles
- Then, paralysis that radiates toward the extremities
- When the breathing muscles are affected, respiratory failure may become imminent and can result in death
Contact Us
Access to a safe food supply should be regarded as a right, and you are able to pursue a legal action against a negligent food manufacturer. Contact the Pennsylvania wrongful death lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511 to begin holding them accountable for the loss of your loved one due to botulism poisoning.