When Can A Contaminant Become A Hazard And A Reason To Sue?

If you have become used to eating bland oatmeal, a heaping of brown sugar might seem like a contaminant. Indeed, it would be a foreign object. Yet it could not be labelled a hazard, because it would not harm anyone that ate it.

The situation would be altogether different, if the foreign object on the oatmeal was a toxic substance. In that case, it could do real harm to someone that ate it. For that reason, any toxic substance placed in or on a food can be viewed as a contaminant.

Who can be held liable for the contamination of food?

• A farmer who grew the ingredients might be held liable.
• A fisherman who captured the fish or other form of seafood, could be named as the responsible party.
• A website or store that sold the contaminated food, and thus harmed customers could face a liability charge.
• A restaurant that served the contaminated food to customers could get hit with a liability charge.
• A company that made the product that contained the contaminant could be held responsible for the ill health of any consumers.
• A wholesaler or food broker, that sold the manufactured product to various stores could be held liable for the ill health of those that purchased and used the contaminated product.

When can a consumer come forward with a liability charge?

No consumer would have grounds for a legal action, until it could be proven that the foreign object was indeed a hazardous or toxic substance. For that reason, those that might be held responsible for a true contaminant work to determine the true nature of a foreign substance. If any product has led to physical or emotional harm of the consumer, he or she has a reason to bring about a lawsuit.

Of course, if an observed foreign substance were found to be hazardous or toxic, then that fact would need to be revealed to consumers. Today, that revelation could take the form of online content. The news would spread fast, forcing the responsible party to take quick action. That action should demonstrate a willingness to make needed changes. Moreover, those changes should ensure the removal of any ingredient or practice that added the contaminating substance.

If you have been harmed due to a contaminant in food or a product defect that led to injuries, it is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Brantford. However, not any lawyer will be able to help you, but ensure that you work with a product defect expert that has not only negotiated but stood at trials. The success rate of a lawyer is determined by the amount of compensation that is won by the plaintiff.