How to Start a Food Allergy Claim for Compensation
Posted on 30th December 2023
Food allergies are a significant health concern, affecting a substantial portion of the population and impacting their quality of life. Understanding the prevalence and consequences of food allergies is crucial for those considering a compensation claim. Mark Gregory, Director at MG Legal, and food allergy compensation specialist, details how to pursue a claim for compensation, after being served food, you have an allergy to.
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The Prevalence of Food Allergies
Food allergies affect a significant portion of the population in the UK and globally. Studies estimate that food allergies impact 3-6% of children in the developed world, with the UK seeing a prevalence of 7.1% in breast-fed infants. Notably, 1 in 40 children develop a peanut allergy, and 1 in 20 develop an egg allergy. The incidence is higher in toddlers (5-8%) than in adults (1-2%).
Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is common, especially in infants, affecting between 1.8% and 7.5% of infants in their first year. CMA is the most common cause of food allergy in children, with a prevalence of approximately 2% to 3%. Moreover, severe allergic reactions to cow’s milk constitute 10% to 19% of food-induced anaphylaxis cases in paediatric and mixed-age populations.
The prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergies is also increasing. Peanut allergy among children in Western countries has doubled in the past decade. In the UK, the prevalence of tree-nut allergies is around 1.76%.
The Impact of Food Allergies on Quality of Life
Food hypersensitivity, encompassing food allergies, intolerances, and Coeliac disease, affects over 3% of the UK population. Approximately 800,000 people live with clinically diagnosed food allergy, and another 800,000 with Coeliac disease.
Living with a food allergy can have significant economic and social impacts. For instance, households with a food-allergic individual spend more on food, with additional costs incurred for medical expenses and lost workdays due to the allergy. On average, these households spend an extra 14-16p per £1 on food, face around £15 in monthly medical costs, and lose several workdays annually. In the worst case scenario, there are cases where people have died as a result of a food allergy.
The Misunderstanding and Reporting of Food Allergies
Public understanding of anaphylaxis and food allergies is often complicated by media misreporting. While hospital admissions for food-induced anaphylaxis increased three-fold from 1998 to 2018, the mortality rate for food-induced anaphylaxis decreased from 0.7% to 0.3% during this period.
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Starting a Compensation Claim
When considering a food allergy compensation claim, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the allergy's impact on your life. This includes documenting medical expenses, lost earnings, and the broader impact on your quality of life. It goes without saying that if you are seriously affected, then seek medical attention as soon as possible.
When you do feel like making a food allergy compensation claim, it is advisable to seek legal advice from specialised solicitors like MG Legal, who are experts in no-win-no-fee food allergy claims. A knowledgeable solicitor can guide you through the process, ensuring you understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.
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