An RMT member has received £25,000 in compensation after he became gravely ill following serious food poisoning at a Chinese restaurant.

The member from Essex contracted salmonella after eating chicken curry and egg fried rice at a Chinese restaurant in the region in July 2004.

As a result of the infection he was off work for more than a year. He developed reactive arthritis and was bed ridden for three months. The condition has left him physically disabled.

Although he has now returned to work at Network Rail his disabilities mean he must undertake an office-based job.

Claim for Compensation against Chinese Restaurant

He contacted his union the RMT after he became ill to pursue a claim for compensation against the Chinese restaurant. The RMT instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors who were successful in gaining a settlement.

The restaurant did not admit liability for exposing him to salmonella.

He said: “I never imagined I would end up off sick for more than a year after going for a Chinese meal. I have been left with long term affects from the food poisoning and I am now physically restricted. I didn’t know salmonella could be so damaging to my health.

“I am fortunate I have been able to go back to work. If I had been a manual worker like a builder I would have had to give up work altogether.”

Salmonella is one of the most common types of food poisoning

Bob Crow General Secretary at the RMT added: “This case highlights how trade union legal services can support our members outside the work place. This free service is not confined to those injuries which are linked the member’s work or employment.”

Andrew Wells from Thompsons Solicitors added: “We are pleased we have been able to help this member to gain compensation for his illness. Salmonella is one of the most common types of food poisoning. It can be avoided by those involved in the preparation of food by having good kitchen hygiene and by making sure potentially contaminated foods like chicken and eggs are cooked properly.”