Illinois Food Poisoning Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

If you or a loved one experienced serious illness, hospitalization, or long-term health complications following food poisoning from contaminated food products, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to foodborne illnesses caused by negligent food handling or preparation. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Illinois Food Poisoning Lawsuit Overview

Food poisoning lawsuits in Illinois target restaurants, food manufacturers, and distributors whose negligence resulted in contaminated food products causing illness.

These legal claims seek compensation for victims who suffered from serious foodborne illnesses including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Norovirus, and Botulism.

The FDA reports thousands of cases annually, with Illinois seeing numerous significant outbreaks resulting in hospitalizations and severe health complications.

Latest Illinois Food Poisoning Lawsuit Updates

• March 15, 2025 – A $2.3 million settlement was reached in a class-action lawsuit against a national restaurant chain after 157 customers in Illinois contracted E. coli from contaminated lettuce. The settlement covers medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
• January 28, 2025 – The Illinois Department of Public Health reported a 22% increase in Listeria cases linked to deli meats and soft cheeses, prompting new lawsuits against three major food processors in Chicago.
• November 12, 2024 – A Cook County jury awarded $950,000 to a family whose child developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after consuming E. coli-contaminated ground beef from a local supermarket, highlighting the serious consequences of foodborne illness.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s MAUDE database:

• 4,852 adverse events related to foodborne illnesses were reported in Illinois in 2024
• Salmonella accounted for 37% of all food poisoning cases
• E. coli infections resulted in 128 hospitalizations
• Listeria outbreaks had the highest mortality rate at 15.3%

The CDC estimates that approximately 48 million people get sick from foodborne diseases each year nationwide, with 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. In Illinois specifically, foodborne illnesses cost an estimated $152 million annually in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Food Poisoning Injuries & Side Effects

Food poisoning can cause both immediate and long-term health complications, some of which can be life-threatening or lead to permanent disability, resulting in substantial emotional distress and medical expenses.

• Gastrointestinal Damage: Severe dehydration, intestinal bleeding, and chronic digestive disorders
• Neurological Complications: Guillain-Barré syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and cognitive impairment
• Kidney Failure: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), particularly from E. coli infections
• Reactive Arthritis: Long-term joint pain and inflammation
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, and congenital disabilities (especially with Listeria)

Do You Qualify for an Illinois Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a food poisoning lawsuit if:

• You consumed contaminated food in Illinois between 2022-2025
• You experienced serious symptoms requiring medical attention within 1-14 days of consumption
• You were diagnosed with a specific foodborne illness (Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Norovirus, or Botulism)
• You required hospitalization or extensive medical treatment
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to the contaminated food
• Your illness resulted in significant medical expenses, lost wages, or long-term health issues

Evidence Required for a Food Poisoning Lawsuit

Successful food poisoning lawsuits require substantial evidence establishing both the illness and its connection to a specific food source:

• Medical records confirming diagnosis of a foodborne pathogen
• Receipts, credit card statements, or loyalty program records proving food purchase
• Leftover food samples (when available)
• Health department reports documenting the outbreak
• Witness statements from others who consumed the same food
• Evidence of proper food handling on your part

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of food poisoning in Illinois can recover various damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, medications, ongoing treatments, and rehabilitation
• Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the illness
• Long-term Care: Costs associated with managing chronic conditions resulting from the infection
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful disregard for consumer safety

Common Causes of Food Poisoning in Illinois

The most common culprits in Illinois food poisoning cases include:

1. Campylobacter: Often found in undercooked poultry and unpasteurized milk
2. Norovirus: Highly contagious and frequently spread by food handlers with poor hygiene
3. E. Coli: Commonly found in undercooked ground beef, raw produce, and unpasteurized dairy
4. Salmonella: Present in raw eggs, poultry, meat, and unwashed produce
5. Listeria: Found in deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products
6. Botulism: Rare but severe form of poisoning from improperly canned or preserved foods

These pathogens contaminate food through improper handling, inadequate cooking temperatures, cross-contamination, or unsanitary food processing conditions.

Statute of Limitations for Illinois Food Poisoning Lawsuits

In Illinois, victims have a statute of limitations of 2 years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. This timeline is critical, as waiting too long after the contaminated food was consumed may forfeit your right to compensation.

For minors, the statute extends until their 18th birthday, plus the standard two years. However, consulting with an Illinois food poisoning lawyer as soon as possible is strongly recommended to preserve evidence and build the strongest case.

Related Article: Georgia Food Poisoning Lawsuit

See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. What Are the Steps to Take after Experiencing Food Poisoning in Illinois?

Seek medical attention immediately, preserve any leftover food, document all symptoms and medical visits, report the illness to local health departments, collect evidence of food purchase, preserve witness statements, and contact an experienced Illinois food poisoning lawyer for a consultation.

2. Can I Sue for Food Poisoning if I Got Sick From a Packaged Food Product in Illinois?

Yes, you can sue if you got sick from a packaged food product contaminated with pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria. Product liability laws in Illinois hold manufacturers and distributors responsible for ensuring their food products are safe for consumption.

3. What Role Do Health Departments Play in Food Poisoning Cases?

Health departments investigate restaurant outbreaks, collect samples, perform inspections, enforce safety regulations, issue public health alerts, and maintain records that can support your case in a food poisoning lawsuit.

4. How Much Compensation Can I Receive for a Food Poisoning Case in Illinois?

Compensation varies depending on several factors including severity of illness, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Recent Illinois food poisoning settlements have ranged from $10,000 to $2.3 million, with an average compensation of approximately $75,000 for cases requiring hospitalization.

5. What Evidence Will I Need for My Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

You’ll need medical records confirming your diagnosis, proof of food purchase, health department reports if available, documentation of all expenses related to your illness, and expert testimony linking your specific infection to the suspected food source.

6. How Long Does a Food Poisoning Lawsuit Take in Illinois?

Most food poisoning lawsuits in Illinois take between 6-18 months to resolve, though complex cases involving multiple victims or corporate defendants may take longer. Many cases settle before trial through negotiations.

7. Can I Sue a Restaurant for Food Poisoning Without a Lab Test?

While a positive lab test strengthens your case significantly, you may still pursue a claim without one if you have strong circumstantial evidence, medical records documenting your symptoms, and proof that others who ate the same food also became ill.

8. What Makes Illinois Food Poisoning Laws Different From Other States?

Illinois has particularly strong consumer protection laws and operates under a modified comparative negligence system, which allows recovery even if you were partially responsible for your illness, as long as you were less than 50% at fault.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for food poisoning cases in Illinois. With only 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim, it’s critical to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Our services include:

• Free, confidential consultations
• Thorough investigation of your case
• Expert medical testimony
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

An experienced Illinois food poisoning lawyer at Schmidt & Clark can help you navigate these challenging cases and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.

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