Can I Sue for Food Poisoning in Illinois?

 Posted on March 09, 2021 in Personal Injury

Foodborne illnesses occur when food is contaminated with dangerous viruses, bacteria, or parasites. About one out of six people in the United States suffer from some type of foodborne illness each year. Some endure painful symptoms such as severe vomiting and diarrhea that keep them from working and fulfilling their daily responsibilities. Others get so sick that they require hospitalization. Sadly, about 3000 people die because of foodborne illnesses annually. If you or a loved one suffered from food poisoning or another form of foodborne illness, you may be able to sue the responsible party and collect compensation for your damages.  

Foodborne Illnesses Often Occur When Food is Negligently Prepared or Stored

Most foodborne illnesses are preventable. Many times, an individual suffers a foodborne illness because a restaurant, grocery store, product manufacturer, or other party acted negligently.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, the following steps can prevent most pathogens from contaminating food:

• Thoroughly washing hands and cooking equipment  
• Washing fruits and vegetables
• Cooking food to a safe temperature
• Avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked food
• Keeping food refrigerated

Failure to follow basic hygiene and safe cooking procedures can constitute negligence. Sick individuals have the right to bring a personal injury claim and pursue compensation when a party’s negligent actions cause them to suffer injury or illness and the injury or illness leads to damages. Damages in a foodborne illness case often include hospital bills, lost income from missed work, and pain and suffering.

Proving that a Party’s Negligent Actions Caused Your Illness

If you suffered from food poisoning because of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, identifying which party acted negligently is often quite challenging. Food is typically handled by many different individuals and companies before it reaches the consumer. Once the liable party has been identified, there must be sufficient evidence that shows how the party’s actions caused your illness. A personal injury attorney who has experience successfully handling foodborne illness cases can investigate the circumstances of your illness and gather evidence to support your claim. Often, personal injury attorneys work closely with medical professionals, food safety experts, chemists, microbiologists, and other experts to build a case against the negligent party.

Contact a Palatine Foodborne Illness Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered from food poisoning, you may be able to hold the responsible party accountable and recover damages through a personal injury claim. The Schaumburg food poisoning lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP have obtained more than $1 million for victims of foodborne illnesses. We can help you identify who is liable for your illness and seek compensation on your behalf. Call our office at 847-797-8000 for a free, confidential consultation to learn more.

Source:

https://www.fda.gov/media/83271/download