Ciguatera Fish Poisoning and Fish Tapeworm Infection: Legal Recourse
Every year, thousands of people in the United States become victims of fish poisoning and fish tapeworm infection. While precise statistics are unavailable, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 50,000 individuals annually contract these diseases, both of which can lead to serious complications such as paralysis, respiratory failure and megaloblastic anemia.
Unsuspecting consumers often become exposed to ciguatoxin and/or fish tapeworm while enjoying ostensibly healthful seafood dishes at restaurants and fast food eateries. For example, in 2007, 10 people became sick with ciguatera after eating at two St. Louis restaurants, and in 2009 a woman in Texas developed fish poisoning after enjoying a meal at a respectable restaurant. In both cases, the sickened customers might be entitled to compensation if they can show that their injuries were caused by the poisonous meals served by the respective restaurants.
Ciguatera Outbreaks: Legal Recourse
In June 2007, a large-scale ciguatera outbreak occurred in North Carolina as nine people developed symptoms of fish poisoning, including vomiting, dizziness, numbness and watery diarrhea. Six of the affected individuals also experienced reversal of hot and cold sensations as hot items felt cold and vice versa. While all of the fish poisoning victims recovered, three of them suffered painful ciguatera symptoms for more than six months.
In the same year, a similar ciguatera epidemic occurred in St. Louis. An investigation revealed that all 10 people poisoned with the ciguatera had eaten at two seafood restaurants that were the likely culprits of the outbreak. In both cases, consumers were provided with toxic seafood dishes, a dangerous violation of the basic food safety guidelines. The failure of the restaurants to ensure reasonably safe meals might make them liable for any damages suffered by the consumers as a result, such as medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation costs, emotional distress and physical suffering.
Ciguatera and Fish Tapeworm Infection Lawsuits
In order to obtain compensation for damages sustained as a result of fish poisoning and fish tapeworm infection, victims usually have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party. Through negotiations and litigation, the negligent restaurants, fish suppliers and/or distributors can be compelled to provide sizeable compensation. For example, in 2008 a ciguatera fish poisoning case in Florida was settled for a six-figure sum. Similarly, in 2009 a woman in Texas sued a seafood restaurant and its fish supplier after contracting ciguatoxin from a grouper dish. Some of her symptoms included dangerously low heart rate, diarrhea and nausea. In addition, the woman experienced a reversal of hot and cold sensations, as a result of which she could not walk on most surfaces as they felt burning hot.
Fish Tapeworm and Fish Poisoning Legal Help
If you suspect that you or your loved one developed ciguatera fish poisoning or fish tapeworm infection as a result of a contaminated meal served at a restaurant, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 to review your case and determine if filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit might be beneficial. The attorneys of AWKO Law can help you understand your legal rights and hold those responsible for your suffering financially liable. In addition, they can help resolve legal issues arising from salmonella, listeria, E. coli and botulism food poisoning cases.
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Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
803 North Palafox St.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
55 Baybridge Dr.
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
