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What is Botulism?

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that occurs due to ingestion of the botulinum toxin, which is produced by a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The toxin produced by the bacteria affects the nervous system and leads to paralysis of the respiratory and musculoskeletal system by blocking the release of acetylcholine from nerve endings which arrests the functioning of the nerves.
Spores of the C. botulinum bacteria can occur naturally in carrot juice and other foods that have not undergone canning under high temperature and pressure. Temperatures above 39ºF, along with certain other conditions, can promote growth of the bacteria and production of the toxin.
Botulism Symptoms
Symptoms of botulism occur 12-36 hours after consuming the botulinum toxin, but they can occur as early as 6 hours or as late as 10 days. Symptoms include dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, muscle weakness, double vision, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea.
These symptoms may eventually progress to paralysis. Because the respiratory muscles are affected as well, this may cause death due to respiratory failure. A case of botulism is always considered a medical emergency.
Treatment of Botulism
If diagnosed early, botulism can be treated with a horse-derived antitoxin which blocks the action of toxin circulating in the blood and prevents cases from worsening. A severe case of botulism may require a patient to be on a respirator for weeks with intensive medical and nursing care. After several weeks, the paralysis will slowly begin to improve.
Botulism Poisoning and Legal Assistance
If you or a family member have suffered a serious injury or a loved one died after being exposed to botulism toxin from tainted juice, you may be eligible to file a claim. Please click here to contact an attorney at Lieff Cabraser to discuss your legal rights at no cost or obligation. We will handle all inquiries with the strictest confidentiality and sensitivity.
You are also welcome to call us toll-free at 1 (800) 541-7358. Please ask to speak with injury lawyer Heather Foster.
Lieff Cabraser is working with the Candian Law firm of Rochon Genova to investigate this case.
About Lieff Cabraser
Founded in 1972, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP is an over fifty attorney law firm with offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. For the last five years, the National Law Journal has recognized Lieff Cabraser as one of the top 20 plaintiffs’ law firms in America.
For our personal injury cases, we bring a team of experienced lawyers. Each client is assigned an individual lawyer. In addition, we have on staff multiple nurses, legal assistants, scientific analysts and case clerks to assist the attorneys. To learn more about our firm, click here.
Lieff Cabraser represents persons across America who suffered serious injuries from dangerous products. Click here to submit your case.
Spinach & E. Coli Dangers
Carrot Juice & Botulism Danger
General information including warnings and recall information

Carrot Juice & Botulism Links
Links to official recall notices and botulism advisories from health agencies

Botulism Poisoning
What is Botulism and what are the symptoms of poisoning?
Our lawyers have years of experience successfully representing clients in personal injury cases.
There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.
In death and serious injury cases, we are pleased to visit you where you live, at no cost, to discuss your legal rights and answer your questions.
We have retained product safety and medical experts nationwide to assist our clients with their claims.
     Trademark Notice: Personal Injury Lawyer America is an electronic newsletter from Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP. Lieff Cabraser represents clients in a wide range of cases, including personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Our personal injury attorneys | lawyers are committed to providing the very best representation and support possible for our clients. This website provides information on the legal rights of the injured and the latest news on product defects and related lawsuits.
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     About Lieff Cabraser: We have offices in San Francisco, New York and Nashville. Our lawyers have represented clients in personal injury, wrongful death and rollover crashes and product defect lawsuits across America, including residents of Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.
     Among the cases our personal injury attorneys are prosecuting are the Medtronic heart lead recall, the AMO contact lens solution recall, the Peter Pan peanut butter recall, Guidant pacemaker defects, SUV rollover accidents, popcorn workers lung injuries, and Ford switch fires.
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