Illinois residents would probably agree that if a defective product reaches a consumer the retailer, as well as the manufacturer, cannot duck their responsibilities. Product liability laws have been passed in order to ensure consumer safety by penalizing any manufacturer of defective products. One company is now facing an Illinois defective product liability case.
In a recent case, an Illinois couple filed a liability case against Diamond Pet Foods, a company that manufactures dog food, claiming that one of them contracted salmonella from defective dog food, even though the manufacturer recalled the dangerous and defective product. The product was manufactured between late 2011 and early 2012. According to the Food and Drug Administration, there was an outbreak of the bacteria Salmonella Infantis in dog food. As of July of 2012, 49 people were infected with the bacteria as a result.
The woman who filed the case had started experiencing extreme stomach discomfort after feeding her dog. She was hospitalized in critical condition and had a fever of 104 degrees. The woman tested positive for the bacteria and the public health department of Illinois declared that the disease source was the dog food. Her infection was so severe that it even affected the treatment of her diabetes.
The lawsuit charges Diamond Pet Foods with product liability, fraudulent misrepresentation and negligence. The amount of compensation the couple is seeking was not disclosed. A representative for Diamond Pet Foods said that they have not yet been served with the lawsuit. Illinois consumers should know that when cases dealing with dangerous and defective products, it is usually a good idea to get the right information about the available options.
Source: Voices.Suntimes.com, “Suit: Elmwood Park woman contracted salmonella from dog food,” Ashlee Rezin, June 24, 2014