How Can I Prove That a Restaurant Caused My Illness?

 Posted on March 12, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an awful, painful, and sometimes dangerous experience. If you became ill after eating contaminated food, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, it can be challenging to prove that a specific establishment caused your illness. There are several steps you can take to demonstrate its liability for your food poisoning. To learn more, speak with an experienced Illinois food poisoning lawyer who can explain how to build a case that proves your claims and protects your interests.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect you have food poisoning, your health should be your top priority. Go to a doctor or hospital to be examined as soon as possible. This serves two important purposes. First, it ensures you receive proper treatment. Second, this establishes documentation of our claims. Your medical records can serve as critical evidence in your case. When you are checked, make sure to describe your symptoms, when they started, and what foods you consumed before becoming ill.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Gather as much evidence as you can. This might include leftovers of the suspected contaminated food, which you can preserve in a sealed container in your freezer to be tested later; receipts that can prove you visited the restaurant or bought something from the food supplier when you say you did; photographs of unsanitary conditions, improper food handling, or anything else that may have led to the food becoming contaminated; and statements from witnesses, such as other people who were dining at the same time and also became ill or observed unsafe food practices and can help support your case.

Step 3: Report the Illness

Report your illness to the local health department, as this can be used to identify potential outbreaks and also support your case. The health department might decide to investigate the restaurant or food supplier and, in doing so, discover other people who are harmed by the same contaminated food. Their findings can provide valuable evidence that helps your case.

Step 4: Link Your Illness to the Food

One of the hardest aspects of a food poisoning case is proving that the contaminated food directly caused your illness. One way this is commonly done is through lab tests. Your doctor might want to test your stool, blood, or vomit to identify the bacteria, virus, or parasite responsible for your illness. Matching the pathogen to something found in the suspected food source can be a game changer in your case.

Another common way food poisoning can be linked to a specific food is through outbreak investigation. If your illness is linked to a larger outbreak that traces back to a specific restaurant or supplier, that can further strengthen your case.

Step 5: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney

Food poisoning cases can be complicated, particularly when restaurants or suppliers deny responsibility. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you gather evidence, identify liable parties, and speak with others, including medical experts, food safety specialists, or microbiologists, to build a compelling case that supports your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Illinois Food Poisoning Lawyer

Proving that a restaurant or food supplier caused your food poisoning requires prompt action and thorough documentation. By seeking medical attention, preserving evidence, and consulting with a knowledgeable Illinois personal injury lawyer, you can improve your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we are dedicated to fighting for you so that justice is served. Call us at 312-981-0409 to schedule a free consultation so we can start working toward the best outcome for your case.