Washington DC Food Poisoning Lawyer

At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals who have suffered serious illness due to contaminated food. Food poisoning can lead to more than just a bad day—it can result in hospital visits, time off work, and long-term health issues. We’ve worked with clients who were exposed to harmful bacteria at restaurants, catered events, or through unsafe packaged products. Our goal is to help them recover damages and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Food Poisoning Lawyer Washington DC

Food poisoning is often caused by improper food handling, preparation, or storage. When harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate what we eat, the results can be painful, disruptive, and costly. For many people, foodborne illness resolves in a few days, but for others, the effects can include severe dehydration, hospitalization, or permanent gastrointestinal damage.

Our Washington DC food poisoning lawyer handles cases involving a range of harmful pathogens, including:

• Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria
• Norovirus and Hepatitis A
• Campylobacter and Shigella

These cases often trace back to a breakdown in safety protocols. That could mean undercooked food, cross-contamination in the kitchen, or a failure to store perishable items at the correct temperature. In packaged goods, improper sealing or overlooked expiration dates can cause similar outcomes. When a business fails to follow standard health practices, the result is often widespread illness.

In these claims, timing and documentation are key. Symptoms may begin hours or days after eating contaminated food. Medical records, test results, and receipts or proof of purchase help connect the food source to the illness. Health departments may also conduct inspections or issue outbreak warnings, which can further support a legal case.

Claims can be filed against:

• Restaurants and fast food establishments
• Caterers and banquet providers
• Grocery stores or supermarkets
• Food manufacturers or distributors

We work with clients to track the origin of the illness, determine whether others were affected, and build a case that includes both economic and non-economic damages—such as lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Why Our Firm Is a Strong Choice for Food Contamination Cases

At Cohen & Cohen, we bring decades of personal injury experience to every food poisoning case we handle. We know what questions to ask, how to investigate suspected sources, and what evidence is needed to make a case strong. Our attorneys have secured results for clients who’ve suffered lasting health effects from something as simple as a meal out or a catered office lunch.

In one case, a client was hospitalized after a buffet-style dinner caused a severe Salmonella infection. After gathering medical documentation and coordinating with the local health department, we identified the source and secured compensation for their medical costs and recovery time.

We take a clear and focused approach to every case, knowing that each client’s health and time matter.

Speak With Our Lawyer Who Can Help You Recover

If you’ve experienced food poisoning and believe it was caused by someone else’s failure to follow proper safety practices, we can help. A Washington DC food poisoning lawyer at Cohen & Cohen will review your case and explain your options. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re ready to help you move forward.

Types of Food Poisoning Cases We Handle

Foodborne illness isn’t just inconvenient—it can lead to days of recovery, hospital visits, and long-term health problems. At Cohen & Cohen, we represent individuals and families affected by food poisoning caused by unsafe food handling, contaminated ingredients, or poor sanitation. These cases often involve businesses that failed to follow proper food safety practices. Whether the exposure happened at a restaurant, catered event, or through a grocery product, our team works to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Cases Involving Contaminated Meat and Poultry

Undercooked or improperly stored meat is one of the most common sources of foodborne illness. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli thrive when meat is not cooked to safe temperatures or kept at appropriate refrigeration levels. Restaurants and food suppliers have a duty to follow clear guidelines on food safety. When they don’t, the result can be widespread illness.

We handle cases where individuals were sickened after eating meat from:

• Fast food chains
• Grocery stores and delis
• Catered functions or buffets

In some situations, contaminated meat is part of a broader outbreak, affecting multiple people across different locations. These cases often involve public health investigations, which we use to strengthen legal claims and prove the source of contamination.

Illness Linked to Produce or Prepared Foods

Fruits, vegetables, and ready-to-eat products can carry bacteria if they’re not washed properly or stored in clean environments. Leafy greens, sprouts, and prepackaged salads have all been linked to foodborne outbreaks. Even seemingly healthy food can cause serious illness if it’s exposed to unsanitary conditions during harvest, transport, or preparation.

Some of these cases involve:

• Listeria found in bagged salads or soft cheeses
• E. coli traced back to romaine lettuce or spinach
• Norovirus outbreaks tied to unwashed produce in restaurants

These types of food poisoning cases can be difficult to trace without help. We work with experts, health authorities, and client documentation to prove the source and link it directly to your illness.

Restaurant and Catering Incidents

Many cases we handle stem from group meals—whether at weddings, corporate events, or dining establishments. When a large number of people become sick from a common source, it often points to poor handling practices or contaminated ingredients. These events require a focused approach to trace the problem and gather statements and records from multiple sources.

We examine:

• Restaurant health inspection history
• Event menus and food sources
• How food was prepared, served, and stored

These details help us build a strong case and pursue recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs.

Legal Support for Foodborne Illness Victims

At Cohen & Cohen, we know how serious food poisoning can be. We’ve helped clients deal with long recoveries, unexpected hospital stays, and ongoing health issues caused by unsafe food. Our team investigates each claim thoroughly and focuses on securing full compensation for the harm caused.

If you’ve been diagnosed with foodborne illness and believe it was caused by a restaurant, event, or product, we may be able to help. A Washington DC food poisoning lawyer at our firm can review your case and guide you through your next steps. Contact us today for a free consultation.

6 Steps Our Lawyer May Recommend After You Get Sick

A meal should never leave you in the hospital or out of work. When contaminated food leads to serious illness, knowing what to do next can help you protect your health and preserve your legal options. At Cohen & Cohen, we’ve helped people recover damages after experiencing foodborne illnesses tied to restaurants, catered events, and store-bought products. Acting quickly after symptoms begin can make a major difference.

Seek Medical Attention and Keep Records

If you’re experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or dehydration, see a doctor as soon as possible. A medical provider can perform tests to confirm the presence of foodborne bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. These lab results are critical in linking your illness to a specific source of contamination.

Ask for copies of:

• Test results confirming the pathogen
• Discharge paperwork
• Prescriptions and medical instructions

These records can support your case and show the extent of your condition.

Save Leftovers and Receipts

If you still have any of the food you believe made you sick, do not throw it away. Place it in a sealed container and refrigerate or freeze it. If it came from a restaurant or store, save the packaging. This can later be tested for contamination. Also, keep the receipt or order confirmation that shows when and where the food was purchased.

Proof of purchase and physical evidence can be used to support your timeline and show that the product came from the suspected source.

Document Your Symptoms and Timeline

Write down when your symptoms started, what you ate, and where the food came from. Include details about others who may have eaten the same meal, especially if they got sick too. Keeping a detailed record can help establish a connection between the illness and the food in question.

Note:

• Time of purchase or consumption
• Time symptoms began
• Names of anyone else affected

This personal documentation becomes helpful when working with a legal team or health authorities.

Report the Incident to the Health Department

Local health departments track foodborne illness outbreaks and can conduct inspections or issue warnings if multiple cases are linked to the same source. Reporting your case helps create a public record and may uncover whether others were affected. It also adds credibility if legal action is taken later.

Provide clear, factual information, and request confirmation of your report for your records.

Avoid Returning to the Source or Accepting Quick Settlements

Some businesses may offer a refund, gift card, or apology to make the problem go away. While it may seem helpful in the moment, accepting anything too quickly could limit your ability to pursue a legal claim. Avoid making statements, signing documents, or posting about the incident online until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Washington Food Poisoning Infographic

Washington DC Food Poisoning FAQ

Most people don’t think twice before grabbing a meal from a restaurant, grocery store, or catered event. But when food is improperly handled or contaminated, the results can be serious. Food poisoning doesn’t always mean a mild stomach ache—it can lead to hospitalization, long-term health problems, or even death. When contaminated food causes illness, the question often becomes: Who is responsible, and what can be done about it? If you or someone you care about has suffered from foodborne illness, it may be time to consider your legal options. Below, we answer common questions about food poisoning claims.

Who can be held liable in a food poisoning case?

Liability often depends on where and how the contamination occurred. Restaurants, food manufacturers, grocery stores, and catering companies can all be held accountable if they served or sold tainted food. If multiple businesses handled the product before it reached the consumer, each one may share some legal responsibility. Health departments and product testing can help trace the source of the contamination. In some cases, even the farm or processing plant where the food originated may be involved. Proving liability requires evidence of improper food handling, storage, or production that led to illness.

What qualifies as food poisoning under the law?

Food poisoning occurs when contaminated food or beverages cause illness. Common contaminants include bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, as well as viruses, parasites, or toxins. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration. For some people—especially young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems—these symptoms can become severe. Legally, a food poisoning case must show that contaminated food directly caused the illness and that the contamination was due to someone else’s failure to follow proper food safety practices.

Why should someone consider filing a food poisoning claim?

Medical costs, lost wages, and long-term health issues can all result from foodborne illness. Filing a legal claim allows the injured person to seek compensation for these losses. In severe cases, food poisoning can cause kidney failure, neurological problems, or permanent damage to the digestive system. Legal action also encourages better food safety standards by holding businesses accountable. If others were affected by the same source, a claim can also be part of a larger effort to stop unsafe food from reaching more people. Even a single case can highlight serious public health risks.

How can legal support help in food poisoning cases?

A law firm can help gather key evidence such as medical records, lab test results, receipts, and health department reports. At Cohen & Cohen, we help clients determine the source of contamination, identify responsible parties, and take legal steps toward recovery. If you need a Washington DC food poisoning lawyer, our team is prepared to evaluate your case and help you move forward. We understand how to link contaminated food to illness and present that evidence in a way that supports your claim. Legal help also makes it easier to deal with insurance companies and corporate defendants.

Who can file a food poisoning lawsuit?

Anyone who became sick after consuming contaminated food may be able to file a personal injury claim. This includes individuals, families, or groups who were exposed to the same source. In fatal cases, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. Even if the illness didn’t require hospitalization, claims can still be valid if symptoms were severe or led to missed work and medical treatment. It’s important to act quickly—there are time limits on when foodborne illness claims can be filed, and evidence can disappear over time.

Speak With Our Lawyer Familiar With Foodborne Illness Cases

Once your health is stable, it’s time to explore your legal options. A Washington DC food poisoning lawyer at Cohen & Cohen can review your situation and determine whether you have a valid claim for compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation—we’re here to help you recover what you’ve lost and move forward.