Our Promise

From farm to fork, OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers is committed to protecting public health.
Our Promise. You put faith in where your family’s food comes from. When that trust is violated, you and your family are left to suffer.

We can help.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers was built to get the answers you need. We also get you the results you deserve. We have recovered millions for our clients.

Our food poisoning lawyers are renowned within the food safety industry. We have the food poisoning litigation experience to get results fast. We handle food injury cases nationwide and are ready to put our knowledge, experience, and resources behind your case.

I have been a foodborne illness attorney my entire career. There may not be another attorney in America that can say that. It is all I’ve ever done. It is all I know. I know it well.

I am passionate about food safety. If your foodborne illness can possibly be linked to a source, I will find it. I take pride in leaving no stone unturned. I pursue every legal avenue possible to get you justice.

The most rewarding part of my job is connecting with my clients. When you hire OFT we will be working together to get the best possible outcome. Every case is personal to me. You will be able to contact me at all hours of the day via email, text, or phone with any questions or concerns you have. We work for you. Never forget that.

Foodborne Illness & Safety
The CDC estimates that 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses and food poisoning occur in the U.S. every year.
Thousands of those who become ill require hospitalization. There are roughly 3,000 fatalities annually due to unsafe food.

How do I know if I have food poisoning?

Cyclospora Outbreak Linked to Bagged Salad from Walmart, ALDI, Hy-Vee, Jewel-OSCO, and Fresh Express, Inc.

A pathogen is a bacterial, viral, or other infectious agent that causes disease. When a pathogen, toxic substance, or unsafe practice encounters your food supply, it can wreak havoc on your system, causing incredible illness.

The sources of foodborne illnesses can vary. From manufacturers, growers, retail stores, distributors, and processing facilities to improper temperature controls, cook times, and unsanitary conditions, when food safety procedures fail or are ignored in favor of profits, customers like you are put at risk.

At OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, we can help you recover damages if you or a loved are suffering from any of the following:

Food Poisoning Law and the Role of an Attorney

Most of our clients have never needed a personal injury lawyer before, let alone one specializing in food poisoning cases. 
In general, food poisoning lawsuits are similar to other product liability claims where a manufacturer is responsible for putting a defective product in the hands of a customer.
From our first conversation, we will answer your questions about the legal process and the steps necessary to file a food poisoning lawsuit.  We closely monitor food poisoning outbreaks and can often provide critical information about the source of your illness.

If you have already received a diagnosis and know the source of your illness, we are also ready to act fast and pursue full and fair compensation for your losses, including:

Past, present, and future medical bills
Lost income
Any out-of-pocket expenses
Past and future pain and suffering
In general, food poisoning lawsuits are similar to other product liability claims where a manufacturer is responsible for putting a defective product in the hands of a customer. We must prove the product was dangerous when used as intended.

Food poisoning cases, however, are uniquely complex.  In contrast to a typical product liability case where the product itself can be analyzed, the illness-causing food has been consumed and is therefore unavailable for testing.  In addition, the incubation period — the time between consumption and first symptom — for most pathogens is at least 24 to 48 hours and can be more than a month, making it even more difficult to identify the source of an illness.  Modern food production also usually involves multiple parties and an array of overlapping rules and regulations.

An attorney experienced in food poisoning cases can identify the critical information quickly, trace the contaminated food through the chain of distribution, assemble medical and public health experts to prove the case, and get results.

Foodborne Illness FAQ

Is there a time limit to sue for food poisoning? 
Yes.  Every state has a different “statute of limitations," that outlines the timeframe to file a personal injury claim. Waiting too long may result in losing the right to bring a case. That’s why it is always best to speak to a food poisoning lawyer sooner rather than later.

How do I report food poisoning?
Too many foodborne illnesses go unreported, which is a crucial step in making food safer.  By reporting a foodborne illness, agencies and health departments become aware of potential outbreaks. This can lead to faster recalls and potentially fewer victims. To report a suspected foodborne illness, you can contact the health department on your own or talk to a doctor. We usually recommend speaking to a medical professional, who can diagnose your condition through a stool or other test.  If you test positive for a foodborne illness, the doctor or lab will automatically report your case to the appropriate agency. We can also help you find out where to report your illness.

How is food poisoning diagnosed?
This largely depends on the circumstances or pathogen involved, but food poisoning is often  diagnosed as “gastroenteritis.” This is a general term describing intestinal dysfunction marked by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. This type of diagnosis does not identify the cause or specific pathogen causing the infection. Usually, doctors will order additional tests, including blood work and a stool culture for more definitive information. In some cases, a spinal fluid test may be necessary.  Obtaining a precise diagnosis through a culture is a critical part of proving a food poisoning case. Please contact us for additional information.

What foods commonly cause foodborne illnesses?
Virtually any food product can cause illness. In recent years, fresh produce and fruit have been associated with some of the largest outbreaks.  Other common causes of food poisoning are raw or undercooked meat and poultry, unpasteurized dairy products, unwashed produce, and food that has been improperly refrigerated.

What is cross-contamination? 
Cross-contamination is the transfer of harmful bacteria from raw food to other ready-to-eat foods or to cutting boards, utensils, food handlers, or other surfaces. Cross-contamination is a very common root cause of food poisoning outbreaks.

Do I have a case?
There is no easy answer to this question, and it depends on several factors. It’s best to contact an experienced food poisoning lawyer to talk through the facts of your specific case. They will be better able to answer your questions, direct your next steps, identify who is responsible, and honestly assess your case.

Trust Us to Set Things Right

We are here to listen to your story and respond rapidly.

With decades of experience in the food safety field and millions of dollars recovered in food poisoning settlements and verdicts, OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers have the skill and resources to handle any food poisoning case. We are passionate about safe food and client service.

Our commitment to you:

A free one-on-one consultation to analyze your case and offer you advice.
Guidance on what medical tests to request and questions to ask.
Help dealing with health departments, so you get clear, concrete answers.
A methodical, scientific approach to collecting evidence and assessing your case.
Personal attention from lawyers who care about you and your family’s well-being.
Zero upfront costs and no fees unless you recover compensation.
Foodborne illness cases are different. Whether you contracted E. coli from produce, Listeria from cheese, or Salmonella from a restaurant, you will need attorneys with experience, technical know-how, and proven results.

Signs of Food Poisoning & Contamination
Some typical symptoms associated with food poisoning are:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Headache
Severe Abdominal pain
Vomiting
hot and cold flashes
fever
If you believe you or a loved one have contracted a foodborne illness or have food poisoning symptoms, you should take action:

Get medical treatment immediately.

Request that your doctor order a stool culture to identify the specific pathogen that caused your illness.

Notify your state or local health department.

Contact an experienced foodborne illness lawyer. We offer free consultations and are happy to answer any questions you have.