How to Prove Where You Got Shigella

 Posted on May 09, 2024 in Food Poisoning

If you have been diagnosed with Shigella, a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, you may be wondering how to prove where you contracted the illness. Establishing the source of your Shigella infection is the first step for seeking compensation and holding the responsible parties accountable. An Illinois lawyer can guide you through the steps to prove where you got Shigella and how to navigate the legal process.

What to Know About Shigella Transmission

Shigella is a highly contagious bacteria that spreads through contaminated food, water, or contact with an infected person. Common sources of Shigella outbreaks include restaurants and food service establishments with poor hygiene practices, contaminated swimming pools or water parks, daycare centers or schools with inadequate sanitation, and person-to-person transmission in households or institutional settings.

Gathering Evidence

You must gather as much evidence as possible to prove where you contracted Shigella. Get a copy of your medical records, including the diagnosis of Shigella and any treatment you received. This documentation will serve as proof of your illness and its severity. If you suspect that contaminated food or water caused your illness, try to collect samples for testing. If you ate at a restaurant, keep any leftover food or packaging. If you swam in a pool or visited a water park, notify management immediately and request that water samples be preserved for testing.

If others who ate the same food or swam in the same water also became ill, see if you can get contact information and witness statements. This can help establish a pattern of illness and strengthen your case. Contact your local health department to report your illness and any suspected sources. Health departments often investigate Shigella outbreaks and can provide valuable information about other reported cases and the source of the outbreak.

Why Working With an Attorney is Beneficial

The legal process of proving where you got Shigella is a challenging task. A lawyer can help you investigate the cause of your Shigella infection and gather evidence to support your claim. Under Illinois law, food service establishments, swimming pool operators, and other entities have a duty to maintain a safe and sanitary environment. Your lawyer will use the evidence gathered to prove that the responsible party breached this duty and caused your illness.

If the responsible party has liability insurance, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company to seek a fair settlement for your lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. If you cannot reach a settlement, your lawyer will file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court to seek the potential compensation you deserve.

Contact a Chicago, IL Food Poisoning Lawyer

Proving where you got Shigella requires a thorough investigation and the guidance of an experienced Chicago, IL food poisoning attorney. Time is highly important when you are trying to get compensation for a food poisoning case. Call Newland & Newland, LLP at 312-981-0409 for a free consultation.