On Saturday, November 2nd, Shook & Stone participated in FARE Walk Las Vegas, a walk to raise awareness and funds for people & children with food allergies and anaphylaxis. This walk was just one more way for the attorneys at Shook & Stone to show their support for people in the local community and to do their part to raise awareness about food allergy.
Food allergies can range from moderate to severe, and if businesses, manufacturers and others are not sensitive to these allergies, they could put these people in harm’s way. Shook & Stone is proud not only to raise awareness for people living with food allergies and anaphylaxis, but to represent them in food allergy-related lawsuits.
Recently, an Oregon woman filed a wrongful death lawsuit against a jail after her son died as a result of a severe allergic reaction to dairy. The woman’s son was in jail on a minor marijuana possession charge. According to the woman’s claim, she alleges that the jail knew about her son’s life-threatening food allergy, yet fed him oatmeal with dairy in it, which caused him to suffer an acute asthma attack and die.
These are the types of cases we want to call attention to. While tragic, they serve as a reminder of how important it is to always take the necessary precautions.
Since 1997, Shook & Stone has advocate for victims of negligence and their families. If you’re looking for justice after suffering an injury, contact one of the best Las Vegas personal injury attorney at our law firm today to discuss.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It typically occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen and can affect multiple body systems, including the skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, skin rash, hives, swelling of the throat or tongue, nausea and vomiting. If not treated promptly with epinephrine , anaphylaxis can cause death.
Different Causes of Food Allergy
Food allergies can be caused by a variety of different foods, including peanuts, tree nuts, dairy products, eggs, wheat and soy. In some cases, even trace amounts of an allergen can cause a food allergy reaction. It is important to be aware of potential allergens when selecting food.
People with food allergies need to read labels carefully and ask questions about ingredients in order to avoid a reaction. For those with severe allergies, it is especially important to carry auto-injectable epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) at all times in case of emergency.
Know the Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4 percent of adults and 5 percent of children in the United States have food allergies. In addition, 30 percent of adults with food allergies report experiencing anaphylaxis at some point.
These numbers are increasing, with studies showing that food allergy incidence has increased by 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. This is why it is important to raise food allergy awareness and help people living with food allergies stay safe.
Source: Trends in Allergic Conditions Among Children
Conclusion
Food allergies and anaphylaxis are serious medical conditions that should not be taken lightly. Shook & Stone is proud to help raise awareness for food allergies and anaphylaxis and to fight for the rights of those affected by these conditions.
If you or a loved one has suffered an adverse reaction due to an allergen, contact our experienced lawyers at Shook & Stone for assistance by calling (702)570-0000 or fill out the form for a free consultation.
