Vibrio Food Poisoning Risk in Massachusetts

You can sue a restaurant for Vibrio food poisoning if you were sickened by raw oysters.

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vibrio) is a bacteria that can cause severe illness and death, particularly in older people.  It is found naturally in the ocean, but can concentrate in an area, increasing the risk of food poisoning (Vibriosis) for people who eat raw oysters or other seafood from the infected location.

You can sue a restaurant for Vibrio food poisoning if you ate raw oysters served by the restaurant and there is evidence connecting the oysters with your illness.

“Our law firm is one of the few in the nation that has won significant money for clients in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against restaurants,” said Fred Pritzker, a national food safety lawyer who recently won $4.5 million for one client. “Restaurants are responsible for serving safe food. When someone eats raw oysters at a restaurant, they assume they are safe to eat.” You can call 1-888-377-8900 to contact Fred and his Bad Bug Law Team and get your free consultation.

 

Massachusetts on High Alert for Vibrio Food Poisoning

Oyster beds in Katama Bay in the community of Edgartown, Massachusetts, have been closed effective September 3, 2014, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The closure happened after health officials determined that environmental conditions in the bay were conducive to the growth of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in oysters harvested in the area.

Both harvesting and possession of oysters from these areas for commercial purposes is prohibited until September 10, 2014. The decision to issue the precautionary closure was made after 4 people who ate raw oysters from the area were diagnosed with Vibrio food poisoning. Health officials have determined thatcurrent water temperatures in Katama Bay are consistent with water temperatures and environmental conditions that were associated with Vibrio illnesses in 2013.

There is a “Vibrio season” in all areas where oysters are harvested. In Massachusetts, that season is from May to October. Health officials are warning the elderly and immune compromised to avoid eating any raw shellfish.

“Our Vibrio cases have all involved older people eating raw oysters at a restaurant and then getting violently ill. Some of our cases have involved the wrongful death of a loved one,” said Attorney Fred Pritzker. “Restaurants are legally responsible for the food they serve, regardless of the age or health of the restaurant patron. Normal people do not read health alerts and understand the dangers of certain foods. It is up to restaurants to make sure all of the food they serve is safe for human consumption.”

You can call 1-888-377-8900 to contact our Food Safety Team now.

 

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Category: Food Poisoning
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