Chicago Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawyers

Personal Injury Attorneys for Victims of Salmonella Poisoning Complications 

Salmonella is a harmful bacteria discovered in 1885. It is one of the most common foodborne illnesses in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are around 1.2 million instances of salmonella poisoning in the U.S. each year, with 83 percent attributed to food poisoning.

Symptoms of salmonella infection often subside within four to seven days, but in severe cases, hospitalization is required. In fact, the CDC estimates 23,000 annual hospitalizations result from salmonella, and approximately 380 people die every year from infection. These fatalities mostly occur with individuals who do not seek medical treatment and do not receive the antibiotics necessary to combat the bacteria.

Newland & Newland, LLP fights for the compensation food poisoning victims deserve. If you have suffered from Salmonella poisoning, contact our offices to discuss your case.

Past settlements and verdicts for our clients include $120,000 for food poisoning that aggravated a case of celiac disease.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes unpleasant and sometimes severe symptoms in the digestive system. Salmonella can be found in the intestines of animals, like pigs and cows, and in some humans. The bacteria is typically spread through the feces of these animals and can be passed on through contaminated water and food.

Salmonella Symptoms

Once a person is infected with salmonella bacteria, they will typically develop symptoms within 12 to 72 hours. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning can include:

• Fever;
• Abdominal cramps;
• Diarrhea;
• Headache;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting; and
• Loss of appetite.

If you experience any combination of these symptoms for more than three days, visit your family doctor or nearest healthcare facility immediately. Children under the age of 5, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience severe complications from salmonella poisoning.

Causes of Salmonella Infection

There are numerous ways you can become infected with salmonella. Most of these can be traced to improper food handling or deficient safety procedures. Salmonella poisoning causes include:

• Uncooked or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood;
• Raw or undercooked eggs;
• Unwashed or contaminated fruits and vegetables;
• Failure to sanitize food preparation surfaces;
• Insufficient washing of hands during food prep; and
• Food stored at an unsafe temperature.

Possible Long-Term Consequences

While infected persons who experience diarrhea typically recover fully, it can take months before bowel habits return to normal. Also, some victims develop significant joint pain known as reactive arthritis. This ailment may include eye irritation and painful urination, and can last for months or even years. In addition, this condition can eventually result in chronic arthritis, which is often difficult to treat. The use of antibiotics during initial salmonella treatment does not influence whether an individual develops arthritis.

Contact Our Chicago Food Poisoning Attorneys

At Newland & Newland, LLC, we are dedicated to helping those who have fallen ill due to contaminated food. No one's well-being and long-term health should be put at risk by negligent safety practices. This includes food prepared at restaurants, cruise ships, and nursing homes. Our dedicated team of adept Illinois personal injury lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us at 312-981-0409 to set up a free initial consultation or contact us online today. We have five convenient Chicago area locations to serve you including Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Chicago, and Itasca.