Did the Roller Coaster Make You Sick, or Was it the Theme Park Food?

It has been more than a decade since a salmonella outbreak sickened more than 100 people at Walt Disney World. Food poisoning may only make the news in extreme cases, but that does not reflect the frequency with which it occurs every day. At amusement parks, for example, the conditions almost seem to encourage food-related illnesses. Yet visitors often mistake food poisoning for discomfort from the heat or turbulent attractions.

Indeed, food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting and other symptoms that are wrongly attributed to motion sickness from fast, spinning rides. If the sick feeling does not abate after taking a rest in the shade, it may be food poisoning. The good news is that most types of food poisoning leave the system within a day. However, when the symptoms expand, the condition may be more serious. Seek medical attention for any of the following:

• Fever
• Blood in stools
• Lightheadedness, weakness or decreased urination that point to dehydration
• Diarrhea lasting more than 72 hours
• Vomiting caused by any food or drink intake to the point that basic hydration is not possible

Determining the exact source of food poisoning is particularly challenging at theme parks, where visitors walk around with food. It is certainly possible to contract a bug by eating finger food with dirty hands or even using utensils after dropping them on the ground. If the source seems to be food preparation — such as when everyone in your party becomes ill after eating the same food item — it may be a case of theme park negligence. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a case and help you get the compensation you deserve.