Trusted Foodborne Illness Lawyers Serving Atlanta and Surrounding Areas
“My experience using David as my lawyer was a good one. He’s fast and reliable. He gives great advice. I would highly recommend him.”
(Michelle M. – personal injury client)
If you suffered from food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, school, nursing home, or other establishment in Atlanta or Fulton County, you may be entitled to compensation. In some cases, if a specific food item caused your illness, you could also have a claim against the grower, distributor, or food processor. Van Sant Law’s experienced Atlanta food poisoning attorneys can help you determine the strongest path forward.
Understanding Food Poisoning Lawsuits
Before pursuing compensation for foodborne illness, there are several key things to know:
Identify the Pathogen – A medical professional must determine which bacteria, virus, or parasite caused your illness. This may require stool or blood samples and a thorough medical assessment.
PFGE Testing – Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) testing helps identify the genetic fingerprint of the pathogen. If multiple people are affected, PFGE can trace the outbreak to a specific restaurant or food source.
Claims Without Identifying the Specific Food Item – Even if you cannot pinpoint the exact dish that caused your illness, you may still have a valid claim, especially when multiple people were affected by the same establishment or food source.
Leftovers as Evidence – Save any food you took home. Leftovers can be used to confirm the source of contamination.
Punitive Damages – Cases involving gross negligence or intentional disregard for food safety may qualify for punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Foodborne illnesses can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, including:
- Campylobacter
- E. coli
- Listeria
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Vibrio
- Norovirus
- Rotavirus
- Cryptosporidium
- Giardia
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Serious complications can occur, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems, and may include:
- Severe dehydration
- Organ failure
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Neurological symptoms
- Coma or death
Van Sant Law investigates all potential responsible parties, which may include:
- Restaurants and food service providers
- Food manufacturers and processors
- Grocery stores and food retailers
- Schools, nursing homes, and other institutions serving food
- Distributors and suppliers
We determine liability and build strong claims, ensuring all negligent parties are held accountable.
Why Hire Van Sant Law for Your Food Poisoning Case
Van Sant Law is a trial-ready, client-focused law firm with a proven track record in personal injury and foodborne illness cases. Here’s why clients trust us:
- Trial-Ready Expertise: Every case is prepared as if it will go to court, giving leverage in negotiations.
- Medical & Forensic Knowledge: Collaborations with medical experts and food safety specialists strengthen your claim.
- Insider Insurance Knowledge: Former insurance defense experience allows us to anticipate tactics and protect your rights.
- Proven Results: Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum with multi-million-dollar recoveries in complex personal injury cases.
- Personalized Service: Attorney-led cases, responsive communication, and in-home or hospital visits for clients who cannot travel.
What to Do If You Suspect Food Poisoning
- Seek medical attention immediately and retain documentation of your illness.
- Preserve evidence such as leftovers or receipts.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance or restaurant representatives without legal counsel.
- Contact Van Sant Law as soon as possible to ensure your case is thoroughly investigated.
If you were sickened by contaminated food in Atlanta, Fulton County, or surrounding Georgia areas, Van Sant Law is ready to help. We offer free consultations and a comprehensive evaluation of your food poisoning case.
Schedule a consultation today at (800) 234-9556 or fill out our online contact form. We are fully equipped to handle your case electronically and are also available for in-person meetings when needed.
