Suing for Food Poisoning After a Wedding or Catered Event in Las Vegas
A wedding or catered event in Las Vegas should be a joyful and memorable occasion—but when guests suffer from food poisoning, the experience can quickly turn into a medical and legal nightmare. Unfortunately, foodborne illnesses at large gatherings aren’t uncommon, and when they result from negligence, victims may have grounds to sue for compensation.
If you or a loved one became ill after eating at a wedding, banquet, or other catered event in Las Vegas, understanding your rights is crucial. Here’s what you need to know from Mainor Ellis about pursuing a food poisoning claim.
Common Causes of Food Poisoning at Events
Large events present unique food safety challenges. With dozens or even hundreds of people being served, a single lapse in food handling can have widespread consequences. Common causes include:
- Improper storage or refrigeration of perishable items
- Undercooked meat or poultry
- Contaminated ingredients
- Poor hygiene by catering staff
- Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
- Failure to maintain safe temperatures for buffet-style dishes
In Las Vegas, where many events are hosted in hotels, casinos, and other venues, food may be prepared off-site and transported, increasing the chances of contamination.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Multiple parties may share responsibility for foodborne illness at an event, depending on the circumstances:
- Catering Companies: Responsible for food preparation and handling, they’re often the first party investigated in food poisoning cases.
- Venues: If the hotel, banquet hall, or event space stored or served the food, they could also be held liable.
- Event Organizers: In rare cases, the individual or company hosting the event may share liability if they ignored safety concerns or chose an unlicensed vendor.
A personal injury attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties and determine how to proceed based on available evidence.
Proving a Food Poisoning Claim
Food poisoning cases can be complex, as plaintiffs must show a direct link between the contaminated food and their illness. Important forms of evidence include:
- Medical records documenting diagnosis and treatment
- Laboratory tests confirming the type of bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria)
- Health department reports of other guests who became ill
- Witness statements
- Food safety violations by the catering company or venue
Because symptoms can take hours or even days to appear, gathering evidence as soon as possible is essential. If multiple guests become ill, it strengthens the claim and may even lead to a class action lawsuit.
Compensation for Food Poisoning Victims
Victims of food poisoning may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term health complications (in severe cases)
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if gross negligence is proven.
Contact a Las Vegas Food Poisoning Attorney
If you’ve suffered from food poisoning after a wedding or catered event in Las Vegas, don’t try to handle the situation on your own. The legal team at Mainor Ellis has extensive experience with personal injury and foodborne illness claims. We will investigate the source of your illness, identify the responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our Las Vegas Food Poisoning Attorneys today for a free consultation and let us help you hold negligent parties accountable.
Source:
leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-446.htm
