Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer

Fighting for Fair Compensation for Victims of Foodborne Illness in Chicago

Whether it’s a quick meal from a neighborhood restaurant, catered food at a downtown event, or groceries from a local store, when contaminated food makes you sick, the impact can be overwhelming. Our trusted Chicago food poisoning lawyer team fights to hold negligent businesses accountable and secure the compensation our clients need for their medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term recovery.

What Makes Us the Best Food Poisoning Attorneys in Chicago

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we’ve secured more than $450 million in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including those harmed by contaminated food and foodborne illness cases. Our firm has been consistently recognized by leading legal organizations for excellence in client advocacy, including:

• AVVO
• The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Super Lawyers
• The Illinois Trial Lawyers Association
• The American Association for Justice (AAJ)

With nearly 25 years of experience representing food poisoning victims in Chicago, we understand the toll these cases can take—financially, physically, and emotionally. From handling emergency hospitalizations to long-term complications, our attorneys know how to build a strong case and pursue the fair compensation you deserve.

Types of Food Poisoning Cases We Handle

Here are some of the most common foodborne illness cases we handle:

Bacterial Infections

• Salmonella – Often linked to raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or contaminated water. It remains one of the leading causes of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide.
• E. coli – Typically connected to raw or undercooked meat, fresh produce, and situations where fecal matter contaminates food through improper food handling.
• Shigella – Usually spread when an infected person contaminates raw fruits, vegetables, or leafy greens during preparation.
• Campylobacter – Frequently found in undercooked poultry and known to cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
• Clostridium botulinum – A rare but deadly toxin found in improperly canned vegetables and cured meats.
• Listeria – Most dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, and the elderly, often traced to deli meats, soft cheeses, seafood, and unpasteurized milk products.

Viral Infections

• Norovirus – A highly contagious virus often spread in restaurants, cruise ships, and catering settings through improper food handling.
• Hepatitis A – Caused by consuming food or drinks contaminated with fecal matter, frequently linked to workers failing to wash their hands.

Parasites

• Toxoplasmosis – Contracted by eating undercooked meat or handling contaminated surfaces.
• Trichinosis – Caused by eating undercooked pork or wild game.

Toxins in Food

• Botulism (Clostridium botulinum) – Life-threatening paralysis from improperly preserved foods.
• Staphylococcus aureus – Produces toxins in foods like meats, salads, and dairy that have been stored improperly.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Food Poisoning in Chicago?

Living in a city as vibrant as Chicago means we’re spoiled with world-class restaurants, food festivals, and grocery markets. Many foodborne illnesses are caused by:

• Contaminated Ingredients – Suppliers and distributors sometimes send restaurants or stores contaminated products, including meat, produce, or dairy. If a business fails to inspect and properly handle its inventory, dangerous pathogens can make their way directly to consumers.
• Improper Food Handling – Food safety depends heavily on training. We’ve handled cases where kitchen staff didn’t wash their hands, allowing fecal matter to contaminate meals. Cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, along with failure to store food at safe temperatures, are also leading causes.
• Undercooked and Unsafe Meats – Restaurants and catering services sometimes serve raw or undercooked meat or poultry, or seafood that hasn’t been cooked to a safe internal temperature. This mistake can quickly trigger a foodborne illness outbreak that impacts dozens of diners.
• Unpasteurized and Improperly Processed Foods – Unpasteurized milk, soft cheeses, and juices are known carriers of harmful bacteria. We’ve also seen food poisoning outbreaks tied to improperly canned vegetables and preserved foods, where deadly toxins like Clostridium botulinum can develop.
• Contaminated Produce and Water – Chicago residents have been affected by food contamination linked to leafy greens, raw fruits, and contaminated water used in food preparation. When businesses cut corners on washing and sanitation, pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella spread quickly.
• Food Recalls and Mass Distribution – Large-scale food recalls remind us how a single error in food production can expose thousands of people to danger. Because so many diners may consume the same food before contamination is discovered, the results can be devastating.

What Are the Symptoms of Foodborne Illness?

While symptoms can vary depending on the pathogen, most food poisoning victims in Chicago report:

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Stomach cramps and fever
• Fatigue and dehydration
• In severe cases, neurological problems or long-term complications

What Damages Can Food Contamination Victims Recover in Chicago?

Food poisoning victims can recover economic damages to cover the financial costs of a serious illness caused by contaminated food, including:

• Medical bills for hospital stays, diagnostic tests, and medications
• Future medical expenses if complications require ongoing treatment
• Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
• Loss of future earning capacity if long-term complications affect your career

They may also recover non-economic damages, such as:

• Pain and suffering caused by severe symptoms like cramping, fever, and fatigue
• Emotional distress from extended recovery or permanent health issues
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to ongoing gastrointestinal or neurological problems

In severe cases, when a loved one dies from a foodborne illness, surviving family members may file lawsuits to recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance

What Is the Average Payout for Food Poisoning Cases?

The average food poisoning case payout is $1,635,786, while the median recovery is around $44,000. Reported settlements and verdicts range from as little as $500 to more than $13.5 million.

Factors that impact settlement amounts include:

• The type of contaminated food 
• The specific pathogen involved 
• The severity of the illness and whether the victim required immediate medical attention or hospitalization
• Long-term complications 
• The victim’s financial losses

Example Cases Involving Contaminated Food

• $13.5 Million Settlement – Brianna, a young child, died after eating food tainted with E. coli that led to hemolytic uremic syndrome. Her parents pursued a wrongful death claim.
• $11.3 Million Verdict – Christopher, age 41, suffered septic shock and permanent brain damage from Salmonella traced to undercooked chicken.
• $682,500 Settlement – Shawna developed reactive arthritis after consuming sushi contaminated with Salmonella.
• $366,000 Settlement – J.T., a three-year-old, became seriously ill from Salmonella-contaminated eggs and required hospitalization for complications.

What Is the Basis of Food Poisoning Lawsuits?

Chicago food poisoning lawsuits can be filed under several legal theories:

Strict Liability – Businesses that sell contaminated food can be held responsible even if they weren’t negligent. To succeed, we only need to prove that the food was unsafe when it reached you and that it caused your serious illness. This rule applies to restaurants, grocery stores, and companies involved in food production.

Negligence – Here, we must show that a restaurant, distributor, or food handler failed to use reasonable care, such as by serving undercooked meat, mishandling ingredients, or ignoring food safety standards. When that breach leads to a foodborne illness, the business can be held liable for damages.

Breach of Warranty – If manufacturers and distributors fail to meet their obligations that their products are safe—such as selling spoiled or contaminated products—victims can file a lawsuit for breach of warranty. This type of claim often applies when food recalls reveal safety problems in items like improperly canned goods or unpasteurized milk.

Why You Need a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer

Proving liability in food poisoning cases often requires scientific testing, expert reports, and careful tracing of where the food came from. While it may seem obvious what caused your illness, legally proving it can be complex. 

Restaurants, distributors, and large production companies often deny responsibility or blame other sources. These corporations have powerful defense teams, and victims without strong legal representation risk walking away with nothing.

Our Chicago food poisoning lawyers will:

• Work with medical experts to link your illness to the contaminated products you consumed
• Investigate whether other people suffered the same illness, establishing a pattern of negligence
• Gather medical records to show how a “simple” case of raw or undercooked poultry or meat turned into a serious illness
• Take legal action against restaurants, grocery stores, and suppliers who cut corners on safety
• Handle negotiations with insurers and defense law firms determined to minimize your recovery

How Common Is Food Poisoning in Chicago?

Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that major pathogens cause:

• 9.9 million foodborne illnesses 
• 53,300 hospitalizations
• 931 deaths

The Illinois Department of Public Health recently confirmed a Salmonella outbreak connected to undercooked ground beef, with at least 26 confirmed cases in Chicago and nearby counties. 

This is just one of many food poisoning outbreaks investigated by city and state health agencies each year. In fact, it is estimated that more than 300,000 Chicago residents experience some form of foodborne illness each year.

Where Does Food Poisoning Occur Most Often in Chicago?

Our work as Chicago food poisoning lawyers has shown that outbreaks often start in places where large amounts of food are prepared, served, or sold. In Chicago, some of the most common locations include:

• Downtown restaurants in the Loop and River North
• Popular fast-food chains on the South Side and West Side
• Grocery stores in neighborhoods like Logan Square and Bronzeville
• Catered events in Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and Grant Park
• Chicago Public Schools and local hospitals

What Laws Govern Food Poisoning Lawsuits in Chicago?

The Illinois Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (410 ILCS 620/) prohibits the sale of contaminated food and sets safety standards for food production, distribution, and sale. If a restaurant or supplier violates this law, victims can use the violation as powerful evidence in food poisoning lawsuits.

The Chicago Municipal Code covers food service sanitation in several chapters:

• 7-38 defines sanitary operating requirements for all food establishments, including mobile food vendors, dispeners, and preparers, mobile desserts and coffee cart vendors, produce merchants, vending machines, and slaughtering, rendering, and packing establishments.
• 7-40 sets the standards for the care of food, including meat, water, poultry, frozen desserts and mixes, and milk and milk products.

How Long Do Victims Have to Take Legal Action for Food Poisoning in Illinois?

Under the Illinois statute of limitations for personal injury cases (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you generally have two years from the date of your illness to file a lawsuit. Families bringing a lawsuit after losing a loved one to a serious illness caused by contaminated food also have two years from the date of death to file (740 ILCS 180/2).

If your illness came from food contamination at a Chicago Public School, city hospital, or government-run facility, special notice requirements and shorter deadlines may apply. In rare situations, the time limit may extend if the link between your illness and the contaminated food wasn’t immediately known.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, no matter how strong the evidence. That’s why it’s critical to speak with an experienced food poisoning lawyer as soon as possible. Our law firm offers a free consultation and will immediately begin preserving evidence before it’s lost.

Who Is Legally Liable for Food Poisoning in Chicago?

Liability in Chicago food poisoning cases depends on where the contaminated food entered the chain. Potential defendants include:

• Restaurants and fast-food chains 
• Grocery stores and markets 
• Caterers and event vendors 
• Manufacturers and distributors 
• Schools, hospitals, and nursing homes 

Common Defenses in Chicago Food Poisoning Cases

Businesses and insurers often fight food poisoning lawsuits by:

• Arguing your illness came from another meal, not their food.
• Suggesting you caused the contamination after purchase.
• Demanding lab tests to directly link your illness to their contaminated food.
• Claiming they followed health codes, so they shouldn’t be liable.

Our role as your Chicago food poisoning lawyers is to counter these arguments with medical records and expert testimony to prove where the illness started.

How to Strengthen Your Food Poisoning Case in Chicago

The steps to take to preserve your legal rights after experiencing food poisoning include:

• Seek medical attention immediately 
• Save receipts and leftovers 
• Report the illness
• Track expenses 
• Contact a food poisoning lawyer 

FAQs

How much does a Chicago food poisoning lawyer cost?

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, you pay nothing up front. Our food poisoning attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you only pay if we win your case.

Can I sue for contaminated food?

Yes. Victims of contaminated food can file food poisoning lawsuits against restaurants, grocery stores, caterers, or manufacturers. Claims may be based on negligence, strict liability, or breach of warranty.

What evidence do I need to support a foodborne illness claim?

Strong foodborne illness cases often include lab tests, proof of contamination, receipts, and other records linking your serious illness to the source.

Consult a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer Near You

If you’ve experienced food poisoning from a restaurant, grocery store, or catered event, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has handled countless food poisoning cases in Cook County and across Illinois, helping victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and lasting health complications.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers offer a free case evaluation to review your situation and explain your legal options. Contact us today.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.