What Happens if I Get Food Poisoned at the Gainesville Food Truck Rally?

Bill Allen | March 24, 2025 | Personal Injury

What Happens if I Get Food Poisoned at the Gainesville Food Truck Rally?

Attending the Gainesville Food Truck Rally is a fun way to explore new cuisine and support local businesses. However, if you get sick from something you ate there, the aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. You might face hospital bills or days off work and wonder if the event organizers or vendors can be held responsible.

While Florida food safety regulations require vendors to follow strict hygiene practices, mistakes or negligence can happen. If you end up dealing with medical expenses and lost income due to food poisoning at the Gainesville Food Truck Rally, you might have grounds for legal action under premises liability or other relevant areas of personal injury law.

Premises Liability Law in Florida

In Florida, property owners (including event organizers and, in some instances, the local government overseeing the rally’s location) have a duty to keep patrons reasonably safe. For food truck events, the vendors are also responsible for handling and preparing food properly. 

If you get sick because a vendor ignored key safety rules—like improper refrigeration or cross-contamination of ingredients—you may be able to pursue compensation. That said, winning a premises liability case based on food poisoning can be tricky. You need to show that:

  • The defendant (such as a specific food truck or event organizer) owed you a duty of care.
  • They failed to meet that duty by behaving carelessly (e.g., not storing food at safe temperatures).
  • Their negligence was the direct cause of your illness.
  • You suffered damages (like hospital costs or missed work) as a result.

An attorney can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove your claim.

Product Liability Law in Florida

Another possible cause of action for food poisoning at the Gainesville Food Truck Rally is product liability. If a vendor serves a food product that was tainted before it reached their truck (e.g., produce contaminated with bacteria), the manufacturer or distributor of the food could be held liable. 

To pursue a product liability claim, you would need to prove that the food was unsafe when it was produced or distributed. Salmonella, E. coli, and other foodborne illnesses are often the result of unsafe handling by the manufacturer or distributor.

What You Should Do After Suffering Food Poisoning at the Gainesville Food Truck Rally

If you suspect you got sick from a meal or snack at the Food Truck Rally, here are some steps you can take to strengthen your potential case:

  • Seek medical care promptly. Get a proper diagnosis from a healthcare provider. Medical records will link your illness to possible negligence and show how severe your condition is.
  • Document your symptoms. Keep track of when they started and how long they last. Note any foods you ate at the event and whether anyone else had similar symptoms.
  • Save receipts and records. If you can, gather receipts from the food trucks you visited. Also, keep receipts for any medical expenses or pharmacy purchases.
  • Report your illness. Consider informing the local health department. They can investigate vendors for potential violations, which could further support your claim.
  • Contact a lawyer. Food poisoning cases often require specialized knowledge—like consulting with medical experts—to prove a direct link between the contaminated food and your illness.

Getting legal advice early on in the process can be beneficial, as it can take time to build a solid case.

Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Today To Get Started

Food truck rallies are meant to be enjoyable, not harmful. If you end up suffering from serious food poisoning after visiting the Gainesville Food Truck Rally, remember that you might have legal options. Don’t shoulder the burden alone—an experienced personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights and seek the recovery you need.

Most personal injury firms offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. That means you typically won’t pay attorney’s fees unless they secure compensation for you. Call today to discuss your situation, explore your options, and work toward holding the responsible party accountable.

Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers in North Central Florida

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258