Have you ever felt sick to your stomach and immediately blamed it on something you ate? While most minor indigestion issues pass on their own, some situations may be more severe. In fact, foodborne illnesses can sometimes be fatal.

Restaurants have a duty to serve food that is both fresh and well-prepared. It is especially easy to mishandle meat and dairy products if a cook is not careful. If you have experienced significant pain or illness from poorly-prepared food, you may be able to hold the restaurant responsible for your suffering.

The impact of these illnesses

On average, about 48 million people experience a food-related sickness each year, according to the CDC. Most of these cases are not serious enough to prompt hospitalization, but even the most minor case can disrupt your life. Depending on your employment benefits, a missed day of work may mean that you do not get paid. Should the illness persist a few days or more, this becomes significant.

For those who do need medical care, the unexpected bills can be a huge burden. If you have a family to take care of, you may also need to incur the cost of childcare for the days you receive treatment. Serious cases of food poisoning can create a tremendous financial burden.

The symptoms of food poisoning

The most obvious symptoms of foodborne illness are vomiting and diarrhea. If you notice blood in either, it could be a sign of something more serious. Additionally, developing a fever or experiencing painful cramps may point to a severe case of food poisoning.

Though you may be persistent in managing your symptoms on your own, a prompt visit to your doctor can help you detect a life-threatening foodborne sickness early on. Not only does this allow you to get proper treatment, but it also gives you a medical report you can use to seek damages against the restaurant that served you.

The next time you feel sick from a meal you just enjoyed, be mindful of your condition and get assistance if you need it. Food-related illnesses are almost always preventable, and they can quickly become dangerous.