According to 2010 estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), each year roughly 48 million people are sickened by a foodborne illness. Even worse, over 125,000 people require hospitalization and 3,000 die after consuming contaminated fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and processed foods in their homes or in restaurants.

The leading pathogenic causes of serious illness or death due to foodborne illness include:

• E.coli
• Salmonella
• Norovirus
• Listeria
• Clostridium perfringens
• Hepatitis A

The indications of a foodborne illness vary based on the source, but victims of foodborne illness may suffer from nausea, cramping, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In more serious cases, these pathogens can lead to dehydration, weakness, muscle aches or fatigue. Groups at highest risk for serious injuries associated with food poisoning include older people, infants and people suffering from chronic illness. In some instances, such as the June 2011 E.coli outbreak, women were more prone to show symptoms.

People who suffer serious personal injury, hospitalization, or even death due to food poisoning may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. If you are seeking legal advice regarding a foodborne illness claim, our Illinois food poisoning lawyers can help. We have experience representing clients in similar cases, including a $4 million settlement for three convention attendees who contracted salmonella poisoning that caused them to suffer crippling arthritic injuries.

Call us toll-free at 877-374-1417 or complete our online case evaluation form and one of our Chicago injury lawyers will call you back promptly. All initial consultations are free.