Many people suffer from severe food allergies. They can cause everything from itching skin to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. One out of every 10 People is thought to have a food allergy.
These people must be extremely cautious when eating out and spend a significant amount of time investigating the ingredients and preparations of their meals to ensure that they do not consume anything that may make them sick or potentially kill them. Restaurants owe it to these customers to advise them of what they are giving them and to provide alternatives to their meal so that they are not exposed to the allergen to which they are sensitive.
If a person with an allergy consumes anything to which they are allergic and suffers a significant or life-threatening reaction, they may be able to sue the establishment. The plaintiff has the right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Furthermore, most restaurants employ workers who have not been trained in food allergies and hence cannot effectively advise clients about the materials used in their meals. This may expose them to a lawsuit and reduce their goodwill among other customers.
Customers with food allergies should also be informed that their meals may be prepared in touch with other meals, a procedure known as cross-contamination. This can make it difficult for people who are allergic to these foods to avoid them, which might result in a severe reaction or even death.
In a recent case in British Columbia, a woman had a serious response after being served a dinner with dried peppers as part of the flavoring. She was able to demonstrate that Fusion Hospitality's chef and kitchen workers were negligent in their management of her meal.
If you or someone you know has had a food allergy and been hurt as a result, you should consult with an attorney about the possibility of filing a lawsuit. Your lawyer will be able to advise you on the following steps and assist you in recovering your monetary losses.
Furthermore, if you are concerned about your restaurant's policies and practices for dealing with food allergies, you should contact your state legislature to see if a law has been passed requiring your restaurant to train certain employees on how to handle and serve food for customers with food allergies. These new rules can assist your company improve customer service and protect customers who are at risk of a severe or fatal reaction as a result of a negligent restaurant employee's error.
