Can I Sue if I Lost My Pregnancy from Food Poisoning? 

 Posted on April 24, 2025 in Foodborne illness

Losing a pregnancy is a devastating experience. When that loss is caused by contaminated food, the grief is often compounded by anger and confusion. If you suffered a miscarriage after getting food poisoning, you may be wondering if the law allows you to hold someone accountable. In Illinois, the answer is yes: depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your losses.

Food poisoning cases are complex, but with the right legal guidance from our Illinois food poisoning lawyers, families affected by this kind of trauma can pursue justice and find a path toward healing.

How Can Food Poisoning Cause Pregnancy Loss?

Some foodborne illnesses are especially dangerous for pregnant women. Listeria, in particular, is a harmful bacterium that can be found in deli meats, unpasteurized cheeses, smoked fish, and certain packaged foods. Even a mild case of food poisoning for a healthy adult can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature labor when a pregnancy is involved.

Other bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli may also lead to high fevers, dehydration, and serious infections that can put a developing fetus at risk. In many cases, victims are hospitalized and may not receive a clear diagnosis until test results confirm the source of the illness.

Do I Have a Case if I Lost My Baby Because of Food Poisoning?

To successfully sue for food poisoning-related pregnancy loss in Illinois, your attorney must show that:

• You were exposed to a contaminated food product

• The contamination caused your illness

• The illness directly contributed to the loss of your pregnancy

• A company, restaurant, or distributor acted negligently or sold an unsafe product

Evidence may include stool samples, leftover food, product recalls, or records of similar cases tied to the same source. Medical records documenting your pregnancy and diagnosis are also key.

Our firm has recovered over a million dollars in verdicts for food poisoning victims — including many who were hospitalized but did not experience long-term complications. If your case involves the death of a fetus or serious health consequences for you, the damages available may be even higher.

What Compensation Can You Seek if You Lose a Pregnancy from Food Poisoning?

A lawsuit can never replace what was lost, but it can help cover the financial and emotional costs of your ordeal. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical treatment and hospitalization

• Mental health support or grief counseling

• Lost income from missed work

• Pain and suffering related to the illness and pregnancy loss

Illinois law allows victims to hold food producers, restaurants, caterers, and even grocery stores responsible when they fail to ensure food safety.

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer for Pregnancy Loss Due to Food Poisoning

If you lost a pregnancy after contracting food poisoning, speak with a lawyer who has specific experience in these kinds of cases. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our large team of experienced Illinois food poisoning pregnancy loss attorneys has helped many families navigate the aftermath of foodborne illness. We offer free consultations and are here to listen, advise, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 312-981-0409 today to get started.