Chicago Shigella Food Poisoning Injury Lawyers

Foodborne Illness Attorneys for Victims of Shigellosis Infection

Shigella is a bacteria which causes shigellosis, a contagious diarrheal disease that involves symptoms common with many other types of food poisoning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates shigella results in 500,000 infections each year in the United States.

If you have suffered a shigella infection due to insufficient sanitary practices at any food operation, Newland & Newland, LLP will pursue the compensation you deserve for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

We have secured more than $1 million in settlements and judgments for clients sickened by food poisoning.

Shigella Symptoms

Individuals who contract shigella typically experience symptoms within one to two days following initial contact. Possible symptoms include:

• Fever;
• Stomach pains;
• Diarrhea (including bloody); and
• Feeling the need to pass stool when bowels are empty.

These symptoms often last between five and seven days, but sometimes continue for a month or longer. In severe instances, it can take months for bowel habits to return to normal. Approximately 2 percent of shigella cases lead to post-infectious arthritis, which may include joint pain, eye irritation, and pain during urination. This can last for years and eventually transform into chronic arthritis.

Shigella Treatment

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms for more than three days, see a doctor as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can order a lab test to make a food poisoning diagnosis and determine the best course of action. Many shigella cases improve within a week, and recovery can be aided by medications with bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto-Bismol. In the most severe cases, physicians often prescribe antibiotics.

Shigella Causes

Individuals contract shigella via contact with the germ through stool particles from infected persons. This can happen by:

• Eating food prepared by a sickened person, including raw fruits and vegetables, which can also be tainted from being grown in contaminated fields;
• Touching items or surfaces with shigella contamination, especially baby changing tables, children's toys, and bathroom fixtures; and
• Swallowing lake, pond, river, or pool water.

While anyone can get shigella, young children are the most susceptible. Outbreaks often originate from daycare facilities and schools. Those who travel to developing countries also face a heightened risk from untreated drinking water and unsanitary food.

Contact a Chicago Shigella Poisoning Attorney

Insufficient hand washing by just one food service worker can spread shigella or any other form of food poisoning. If a doctor diagnosed you with a foodborne illness which you believe came from a child care facility, grocery store, restaurant, nursing home, or any food provider, Newland & Newland, LLP is prepared to fight for you. We will aggressively pursue the financial award you deserve to aid in your recovery. We hold negligent parties accountable so others are not infected because of unsafe food preparation. To discuss your case with a skilled Illinois personal injury lawyer, contact us at 312-981-0409 for a free initial consultation. We have five convenient Chicago area locations to serve you, including Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Chicago, and Itasca.