Food poisoning is more than just an inconvenience, as it can leave you with lasting health problems, mounting medical bills, and time away from work. If contaminated food has harmed you or a loved one in Chicago, IL, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers is here to guide you through the legal process.
Our Chicago food poisoning attorneys bring 35 years of combined experience and a record of over $250 million recovered for injury victims. We know how to take on restaurants, food suppliers, and corporations that put profits ahead of safety. When you choose us, we’ll fight for the full value of your case from start to finish.
Call today at (312) 635-5400 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Food Poisoning Case in Chicago, IL
Proving that a restaurant, grocery store, or food manufacturer is responsible for your illness is not easy. These companies often deny liability and point the finger elsewhere. Having an experienced food poisoning lawyer in Chicago, Illinois, on your side can level the playing field.
At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team knows how to build winning claims backed by evidence and expert testimony. Insurance companies and corporate defendants know our reputation and understand that we’re prepared to take cases all the way to trial.
If you hire us, our Chicago product liability lawyers will:
- Conduct a full investigation into where and how the contamination occurred
- Gather medical records and documentation linking your illness to the food source
- Calculate the complete value of your damages, including future costs
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and present your case in court if necessary
You shouldn’t have to file a legal claim alone while you’re still recovering. Contact us today to schedule a completely free initial consultation with a Chicago food poisoning attorney.
Common Sources of Food Poisoning in Chicago
Foodborne illnesses can come from many sources, but they all share one thing in common: preventable contamination. Under Illinois law, food suppliers and sellers are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe for consumption.
Some of the most common sources of food poisoning include:
- Restaurants and bars
- Grocery stores and markets
- Catered events and buffets
- Packaged food products
- Contaminated water supplies
Things like improper food handling, lack of refrigeration, undercooking, and cross-contamination can all contribute to dangerous outbreaks. If you were sickened after eating food from one of these sources, you may be entitled to compensation.
Types of Foodborne Illnesses
Food poisoning can result from exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
Some of the most common pathogens linked to foodborne illness include:
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Listeria
- Norovirus
- Hepatitis A
The severity of symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications. Hospitalization and long-term digestive issues are possible in severe cases as well.
What Damages Are Available in a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
Victims of foodborne illness often face unexpected financial and personal hardships. A successful claim can help you recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills and hospitalization costs
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Future medical care for ongoing conditions
Non-economic damages cover losses that are harder to measure, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability or permanent health complications
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded if the at-fault party acted with extreme recklessness or disregard for consumer safety.
How Long Do I Have to File a Food Poisoning Claim in Illinois?
Illinois law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims under its statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of your illness to file a lawsuit. There is also a statute of repose in place; however, that could give you additional time if you didn’t discover your injury until after the fact.
Filing your claim too late will likely result in your case being dismissed, so speaking with an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to make sure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Experienced Chicago Food Poisoning Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation
Food poisoning can disrupt every part of your life, but know that you may be able to file a legal claim for compensation. Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to help you determine and follow through with your best course of action.
With 35 years of combined experience and over $250 million recovered, we know what it takes to win. Call us today for a free consultation with a trusted Chicago food poisoning lawyer.