Chicago Norovirus Food Poisoning Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys for Foodborne Illness Victims in Illinois

While perhaps not as well-known as salmonella or E. coli, norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says norovirus is the No. 1 cause of diarrhea and vomiting from severe gastroenteritis – stomach and intestine inflammation – in the U.S., with upward of 21 million annual cases. This includes nearly two million hospital visits, 400,000 trips to the emergency room, up to 71,000 hospitalizations, and as many as 800 deaths. Most fatalities involve younger children and older adults.

Norovirus is responsible for 58 percent of all foodborne illness cases across the country and results in around $2 billion in annual financial losses due to medical costs and missed work.

If you are a victim of food poisoning, Newland & Newland, LLP can help you receive the financial award you deserve. We have secured more than $1 million in settlements and judgments for our clients.

Norovirus Symptoms

Symptoms of norovirus include those associated with many forms of food poisoning. The most common symptoms are:

• Stomach pain;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting; and
• Diarrhea.

Some infected persons may also experience body aches, headaches, and fever. Primary symptoms typically develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. Most symptoms disappear within 24 to 72 hours. Severe cases can lead to dehydration, especially with children, seniors, and those already impacted by another illness. Children affected by dehydration often display fussiness, unusual fatigue, and crying with few to no tears.

While some types of food poisoning respond to antibiotics treatment, norovirus is not one of them. The best a doctor can do is treat you for dehydration with IV fluids. Still, if you wish to file a food poisoning lawsuit, a doctor's official diagnosis can prove invaluable. Also, by reporting your case of norovirus to the local health department, you can help prevent a wide-scale outbreak.

Causes of Norovirus in Food

Norovirus spreads when people accidentally consume feces or vomit particles from an infected person. This commonly occurs when a norovirus carrier:

• Prepares food with unwashed or insufficiently washed hands;
• Food is placed on a contaminated surface; or
• Food such as shellfish, vegetables and fruit, is contaminated by tainted water.

Most norovirus outbreaks originate from food service entities. This usually happens when a worker touches food with their bare, contaminated hands prior to serving.

Individuals who contract norovirus may release billions of infectious particles during their infection, and it only takes a few to sicken another person. Research indicates infected individuals can still spread norovirus for up to two weeks after symptoms have gone away.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

If you were infected with norovirus by a restaurant, cruise line, or nursing home facility, Newland & Newland, LLP is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve. By holding negligent parties accountable, we can help protect others from sickness due to unsafe practices. For a free phone consultation with an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact us by calling 312-981-0409. We have five convenient Chicago area locations to serve you including Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Chicago, and Itasca.