Onions are a staple in many foods that Washington, D.C. residents eat every day. However, currently, red onions are linked to a salmonella outbreak across the United States and Canada. This means that many foods involving onions—from onion rings to burgers and salads with onions on them—may be making people sick. The outbreak and affected onions may be involved in future Washington, D.C. product liability cases. Washington, D.C. residents should be aware of the concern and their legal rights if they fall ill.
According to a New York Times article covering the incident, more than 500 cases of salmonella and at least 75 hospitalizations have been reported in the U.S. and Canada. The cases are all thought to have come from red onions grown in California and transported across the two countries. In the U.S., there have been confirmed cases in at least 34 states. The majority of illnesses and hospitalizations are in the U.S. Salmonella is an illness that causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and can persist for four to seven days. Those who are older or have weak immune systems are more likely to develop severe cases, and may also experience high fever, headaches, or rashes.
The produce supplier thought to have supplied the contaminated red onions recalled red, yellow, white, and sweet onions as a result of the outbreak. Recalls are not easy—the onions have been sent to wholesalers, restaurants, and grocery stores all across North America. Health officials recommend that consumers throw away any onions (or food made with onions) supplied by Thomson—the distributor. If they are not sure where they got their onions, they are also encouraged to throw them away to be safe.
This outbreak is an example of what is, unfortunately, true in Washington, D.C., and the rest of the country: sometimes consumers can be hurt by products or food that they believed to be perfectly safe. This harsh reality has led to the development of products’ liability law, and Washington, D.C. allows residents injured by someone else’s products to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover. Everyone responsible for putting food onto the market has a responsibility to do so as safely as reasonably possible. If they fail to do so, they may open themselves up to liability. Potential plaintiffs may be able to recover significant compensation to cover medical bills and expenses, lost wages, and even to cover the pain and suffering they experienced as a result of the dangerous product.
Do You Fear You’ve Been Injured By a Defective or Contaminated Product?
If you fear that you may have recently been injured or fallen ill due to a defective or contaminated product, Washington, D.C. product liability law may provide you a remedy. Contact the personal injury attorneys at Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, to learn more about how we can help you pursue a claim for compensation. With years of experience representing Washington, D.C. plaintiffs like you, we understand how the District’s laws work and how to best file a suit. Call today to learn more: 800-654-1949.