Northwest Florida Vibrio Vulnificus Poisoning Attorneys
Foodborne Illnesses Caused by Raw Oysters
Exposure to vibrio vulnificus can cause serious, life-threatening infections. To make matters worse, many vibrio infections in Florida are caused by contaminated food served to guests at restaurants, often by poorly prepared or raw oysters. In such a situation, someone suffering from vibrio infection symptoms will face health and life struggles.
If you were exposed to vibrio vulnificus due to someone else’s negligence and became seriously ill as a result, Perry & Young in Northwest Florida wants to hear from you. We are currently hearing from and helping clients who have either been injured by or lost a loved one to a vibrio vulnificus infection, which most often is caused by raw oysters. With decades of legal and litigation experience, we are prepared to handle even the most complex of foodborne illness lawsuits.
See the Perry & Young difference for yourself. Call our vibrio vulnificus injury lawyers at (850) 215-7777 now.
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What is Vibrio Vulnificus?
Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that is usually found in warm seawater or coastal waters. If the bacterium is ingested, enters an open wound, or otherwise finds its way into the bloodstream, a severe bacterial infection is highly likely to follow. Some cases of vibrio vulnificus infections occur due to the patient’s own mistakes, like swimming in unclean waters around Florida, but many involve another party’s negligence. When third-party negligence is the cause, it is only right to explore legal options to set things right.
Food Poisoning Caused by Vibrio Vulnificus
Most vibrio vulnificus bacterial infections are caused by ingesting unsafe and undercooked food. Specifically, uncooked seafood has a higher risk of spreading the bacteria and causing an infection. Even more specifically, undercooked or raw shellfish like oysters and clams caught in warm coastal waters are known to be a leading cause of foodborne vibrio vulnificus infections.
Symptoms of vibrio food poisoning through ingestion are:
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Painful stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Severe vomiting
- Persistent fever
- Skin lesions or blistering
Severe cases of foodborne vibrio vulnificus infections can cause septicemia, which leads to organ failure and might become fatal. Some vibrio vulnificus infections have even been linked to Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
The first symptoms usually develop within 24 hours of eating the contaminated food. Seek immediate medical attention once symptoms begin to show.
Wound Infections Caused by Vibrio Vulnificus
Vibrio vulnificus infections can also be caused by contaminated saltwater or seawater entering an open wound. This circumstance is less common than eating contaminated shellfish, but it is no less serious. A wound infected with vibrio vulnificus can lead to necrosis around the wound site, septicemia, and sepsis (blood infection).
Common symptoms of wounds infected by vibrio bacteria are:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Wound warmth
- Discolored pus or discharge
- High fever
- Chronic or severe bodily pain
Liability in Vibrio Vulnificus Lawsuits
For the most part, vibrio vulnificus infection lawsuits involve a plaintiff who was served undercooked or unsafely prepared shellfish or raw oysters. In Florida, seafood restaurants are common, so most defendants in such claims are restaurants and eateries that serve shellfish. Even if seafood is served raw, like uncooked oysters, a restaurant has an obligation to make sure the food is safe for human consumption.
To establish liability in a vibrio vulnificus lawsuit, our attorneys can:
- Discuss your symptoms with your medical provider.
- Check the food safety record of the establishment that served you the unsafe food.
- Work with food safety experts who can testify that the food should not have been served.
Vibrio Vulnificus Damages
A serious vibrio vulnificus infection can lead to serious consequences. As a result, the damages in vibrio infection and injury claims can be significant. For example, severe cases of food poisoning from raw oysters can cause permanent gastrointestinal damage. As your vibrio vulnificus lawsuit attorneys, part of our work will be to make sure you get the most compensation possible, so you can recover from your illness and losses with as little stress as possible.
Damages that could be available through a successful vibrio vulnificus infection claim are:
- Past medical expenses including hospitalization
- Future medical care
- Lost wages and lost income earning ability
- Pain and suffering
If you lost a loved one to a fatal vibrio vulnificus infection, you may be able to demand different damages in a wrongful death claim. Our lawyers are known for professionalism and compassion, so you can trust a wrongful death case to us. We would be honored to fight for the memory of your loved one.
Call Perry & Young for More Information Today
At Perry & Young in Northwest Florida, we know just how painful and life-changing vibrio vulnificus infections can be. If you have suffered due to unsafely prepared shellfish or raw that exposed you or a loved one to vibrio vulnificus, you should explore your legal options right away. We are here to guide you, step-by-step, even if your case heads to court.
Get more information about vibrio infection lawsuits in Florida. Call (850) 215-7777 to ask for a free case consultation.
Vibrio Vulnificus FAQ
- What should you do if you may have eaten vibrio vulnificus contaminated food?
Go to the hospital for urgent or emergency care if you think you ate vibrio vulnificus contaminated shellfish or other food. Symptoms of vibrio vulnificus food poisoning can be fatal if untreated, so immediate medical attention is necessary. - Can vibrio vulnificus cause lasting symptoms?
In severe or untreated cases, vibrio vulnificus infection can cause organ failure or amputation if the infection spreads through a limb or digit. Vibrio vulnificus infections can also cause death. - Should you file a vibrio vulnificus lawsuit?
If you file a vibrio vulnificus lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation to pay for your losses and injuries. Your lawsuit might also help reduce the risk of similar infections hurting other people by holding the liable party accountable for exposing you to the bacteria. - How much time do you have to file a vibrio vulnificus lawsuit?
Florida has a two-year statute of limitations on most vibrio vulnificus and food poisoning lawsuits. You should always talk to an attorney as soon as possible to avoid any potential complications caused by missing an important legal deadline.
