Terrified! I was over half way eating my grilled salmon iN the restaurant when I noticed a roach between my fork and salmonl! Do I have a case?

Maybe.  You don't say what happened after you found el cucaracha and complained to management. You did complain to management, didn't you? Did they fill out a report? Did they give you a phone number to file a claim? Did you give them a written statement? If you didn't make a report, you're probably out of luck. Did you contact the city and/or parish health authorities and make them aware of the conditions at the restaurant?  Did you take pictures? Everyone has a cellphone with a camera these days. Did you go to the doctor or the E.R. afterward? Any pre-existing medical issues? Did you get the names of any unbiased witnesses who might have seen you run to the restroom? It must have caused quite a commotion. Cases like this usually wind up going all the way to trial because the restaurant's reputation is at stake. Unless there are very serious medical issues and provable damages, it will probably be difficult to find an attorney who will accept your case on a contingency fee basis. I think I'd find another restaurant.