Filing a Food Poisoning Claim Against a Chain Restaurant

 Posted on November 14, 2025 in Food Poisoning

If you start developing symptoms of food poisoning after eating at a fast food chain or another franchise, you might have grounds to file a claim against the restaurant for compensation. Some people may wonder if it is feasible or even possible to take legal action against a large company. An Illinois food poisoning lawyer can guide you through the process of documenting your illness and seeking payment for your damages.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have handled many food poisoning cases in our firm’s history, including a successful claim filed against a local restaurant chain that settled outside of court. You can trust our firm to fight for your rights, no matter the scope of your case.

Food Poisoned at a Chain Restaurant? What You Need to Know

When Are Chain Restaurants Liable for Food Poisoning?

In order to hold a chain restaurant responsible for food poisoning, you must establish a direct link between the chain’s negligence and your illness. Negligence in these claims could take various forms, including:

• Unsanitary food preparation, such as neglecting to use gloves or contaminating food due to contact with raw meat

• Allowing contaminated meat during processing

• Failing to properly preserve and store food before serving

In the past, massive franchises like McDonald’s have been held liable for outbreaks resulting from neglecting hand-washing procedures and failing to sanitize equipment. Identifying the exact cause of a food poisoning incident often requires a full investigation, which an attorney can assist with.

Is It Possible to Take Legal Action Against a Negligent Restaurant?

If you have suffered food poisoning after eating at a major chain, you might reasonably worry that the chain is "too big" to prosecute. However, this is not necessarily the case. Taking on large corporations in food poisoning claims involves the same procedures as filing a claim against a local restaurant, since small and large restaurant chains are often represented by the same insurance companies.

Our firm has the resources and legal knowledge to help you file a claim against a chain restaurant, as we are not intimidated by the tactics of insurance companies. You can rely on us to inform you of your rights and pursue a just remedy on your behalf.

Steps to File a Food Poisoning Claim Against a Chain Restaurant

Once you start noticing signs of food poisoning, be sure to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you only exhibit mild symptoms. This ensures that your injuries will be addressed promptly and that your damages are documented. You should also report any claims of food poisoning to a state, county, or federal health department. For your own documentation, note the date, time, and food items that resulted in the poisoning.

Soon after the incident, you should get in contact with an attorney who can help you file a claim before the statute of limitations expires (735 ILCS 5/13-202). A lawyer can also assist with the paperwork and filing, avoiding mistakes that lead to delays.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney 

If you have suffered from food poisoning due to the negligence of a chain restaurant, you deserve a fair remedy for your losses. At [[title], our Illinois restaurant poisoning lawyers can work with you to take appropriate legal action. Call us at 312-981-0409 to schedule a free consultation today.