Suing a Food Provider for a Shigella Infection

 Posted on July 28, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Certain bacteria can cause serious infections, sometimes leading to long-term damage. One such bacterium is shigella, which is often transmitted through unsanitary practices in handling food. If you or a loved one has contracted shigellosis, consider reaching out to an Illinois food poisoning lawyer.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can discuss your options for legal recourse after a shigella infection. In our firm’s history, we have secured over $1 million from successful settlements and judgments in food poisoning cases. We will investigate your claim to help you identify the liable party and help you file a claim. 

What Is Shigellosis and What Are the Symptoms?

A shigella infection primarily affects your digestive system and bowels. The tell-tale signs of shigellosis include bloody stool, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. In most cases, a shigella infection tends to pass within a week. However, not everyone infected with shigellosis exhibits symptoms. A small percentage of shigellosis victims may develop chronic arthritis.

Any of these symptoms should be cause for concern. Do not hesitate to reach out to a doctor if you think that you have been exposed to an infection. Those with weakened immune systems may take longer to recover from a bacterial infection, necessitating a swift treatment plan.

How Does Shigella Spread?

In many cases, the spread of shigella can be attributed to improper hygiene practices. People who do not wash their hands before handling food are at greater risk factor for spreading the shigella bacteria. The bacteria originate in fecal matter, and they can be transmitted through food or even contact with an infected surface. A contaminated field of fruits and vegetables can also give rise to shigellosis.

Shigellosis can spread through day care centers, restaurants, grocery stores, and nursing homes, among other places. Our skilled food poisoning lawyers can work with you to pinpoint the source of the infection so that we can take legal action.

Filing a Food Poisoning Claim for Shigella

Once we have identified the establishment responsible for the shigella infection, our firm can file a claim on your behalf. Our main goal is to help you get compensation for your damages, which may include lost wages, medical expenses, and other serious losses. 

In order to file a successful claim, we will look for evidence of the establishment’s liability. For instance, if the food was grown in a contaminated plot, we could cite that as proof of negligence. We might also investigate the hand-washing practices at the establishment, a common vector for shigellosis infections. We have experience investigating class-action lawsuits as well as isolated incidents. If necessary, we are willing to take your claim to court and file a lawsuit.

Contact an Illinois Shigella Contamination Attorney Today

If you have contracted shigellosis due to a food provider’s negligence, you should get in contact with an attorney as soon as possible. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we are here to help ease your recovery and assist you in filing a food poisoning claim or lawsuit. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Illinois food poisoning lawyers, call our offices at 312-981-0409 today. Our attorneys are bilingual in English and Spanish.