Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced serious illness or complications following consumption of contaminated food in Tennessee, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to foodborne illnesses. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit Overview

Food poisoning poses a significant public health concern in Tennessee, impacting individuals and families statewide. Recent statistics highlight an alarming number of food poisoning lawsuits in Tennessee, underscoring the urgency to address this issue.

Foodborne illness can lead to anything from short-term symptoms to serious illness, especially for those with compromised immune systems, such as pregnant women.

Latest Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit Updates

• May 1, 2025 – A Nashville restaurant was placed under investigation following a food poisoning outbreak linked to Staphylococcus aureus. The incident highlighted ongoing risks of bacterial contamination in restaurant settings and prompted renewed calls for food safety vigilance in the city [1].
• March 2024 – Tennessee continued its participation in national food safety initiatives, working with the CDC through the Tennessee Food Safety Center of Excellence. This partnership aims to strengthen outbreak detection, investigation, and prevention efforts across the state and region [2].
• November 30, 2023 – The Tennessee Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence (CoE) expanded local support by offering site visits and expert-led training to address food safety investigation needs in Tennessee jurisdictions. This initiative enhances local capacity to respond to and prevent foodborne illness outbreaks [3].
• February 16, 2019 – Multiple lawsuits were filed against the Nashville restaurant Milk and Honey after at least 20 diners contracted salmonella. Plaintiffs sought up to $1.5 million each, with the lawsuits alleging insufficient cooking temperatures and failure to follow food safety protocols [4].
• 2010 – The Tennessee Department of Health joined the CDC’s Foodborne Diseases Centers for Outbreak Response Enhancement (FoodCORE) in 2010. Tennessee FoodCORE has conducted interviews and enhanced surveillance for over 3,000 cases of Salmonella, Listeria, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, and provided targeted resources to improve outbreak detection, investigation, and response. Tennessee’s participation in FoodCORE has strengthened its ability to rapidly respond to and control foodborne illness outbreaks statewide [5].
• March 2006 – The first cases of a significant Salmonella outbreak were detected in Tennessee, marking an early example of the challenges in outbreak detection and response in the state [6].

CDC Reports and Tennessee Food Poisoning Statistics

The CDC tracks foodborne illness outbreaks nationwide. Their data reveals that foodborne illnesses lead to substantial costs, with the United States seeing more than $15.6 billion per year in expenses.

About 48 million people in the U.S. (1 in 6) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CDC’s Tennessee-FoodCORE program has been instrumental in addressing foodborne illness in the state. There’s been a substantial increase in CIDT-positive Salmonella cases in Tennessee, from 38 cases in 2011 to 177 in 2015, with 68% of CIDT cases in 2015 being culture-positive.

Tennessee Food Poisoning Injuries & Side Effects

Food poisoning extends beyond mere discomfort; it can gravely impact your health and livelihood.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, headache, and body ache.
• Severe Complications: Dehydration, hospitalization, and in rare cases, death.
• Long-term Effects: Some victims may experience prolonged health issues.

Do You Qualify for a Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a food poisoning lawsuit if:

• You consumed contaminated food in Tennessee.
• You experienced serious symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other significant health issues.
• The illness required medical treatment or hospitalization.
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to contaminated food.

Evidence Required for a Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit

In a food poisoning lawsuit, presenting evidence is fundamental to substantiate the defendant’s negligence.

This evidence may include:

• Medical records
• Photographs
• Witness testimonies
• Expert evaluations
• Physical evidence, such as a leftover sample of the contaminated food

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of food poisoning in Tennessee have the right to seek compensation for their suffering. This may include:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills incurred due to the illness
• Lost wages
• Lost future income
• Emotional distress
• Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses related to the illness

The compensation for food poisoning in Tennessee can include:

• Economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages.
• Non-economic damages, which cover physical discomfort, general distress, and significant mental suffering.
• Punitive damages, in rare cases where the conduct of the responsible party was particularly egregious.

Statute of Limitations for Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuits

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including food poisoning, is one year from the date of injury. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you may lose your right to sue.

FAQs

1. What laws apply to food poisoning cases in Tennessee?

Food poisoning cases in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Personal Injury Laws and Tennessee Product Liability Laws [7]. These laws allow victims to claim compensation for damages due to negligence and hold food manufacturers and providers responsible for selling contaminated food.

2. What are common causes of food poisoning in Tennessee?

Common causes include contaminated raw meat, poultry, seafood, raw vegetables, and contaminated water. Primary bacterial contaminants are Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli, often associated with raw eggs [8]. Our food poisoning lawyers commonly handle cases involving these contaminants.

3. How do I recognize symptoms of food poisoning?

Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body ache. These typically appear 1-3 days after consuming contaminated food [9].

4. How do I determine liability in a food poisoning case?

Liability can be established against food providers and manufacturers who sold contaminated food. The legal process requires filing a claim against those responsible for preparing or distributing the contaminated food.

5. How do I protect my rights after experiencing food poisoning?

Document all details of your illness, seek medical treatment, and consult a lawyer promptly. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies or signing any releases without legal advice.

6. Are food trucks and street vendors held to the same safety standards as restaurants?

Yes, food trucks and street vendors must adhere to health and safety regulations similar to those for restaurants. They are subject to inspections and can be held liable for foodborne illnesses.

7. What role does insurance play in food poisoning lawsuits?

Insurance companies may provide coverage for businesses facing food poisoning claims. Negotiating with insurers is a critical part of seeking compensation, and a lawyer can help manage these interactions.

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Tennessee Food Poisoning Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for food poisoning in Tennessee. With only one year from the date of injury to file your claim, it’s crucial to act quickly.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References:

1. https://www.yahoo.com/news/nashville-restaurant-under-investigation-following-170136909.html
2. https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety-centers-of-excellence/about/tennessee.html
3. https://foodsafety.utk.edu/resources/
4. https://www.newschannel5.com/news/nashville-restaurant-sued-after-at-least-20-diners-infected-with-salmonella
5. https://www.tn.gov/health/cedep/foodborne-and-enteric-diseases/national-programs/foodcore.html
6. http://eta.health.usf.edu/publichealth/HSC4933_Intro_Foodsafety/investigation.html
7. https://law.justia.com/codes/tennessee/2021/title-29/chapter-28/
8. https://opentextbc.ca/foodsafety/chapter/causes-of-foodborne-illnesses/
9. https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/food-poisoning/