Understanding Liability for Norovirus Contamination in Food

 Posted on May 18, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Norovirus causes severe inflammation in the stomach and intestines, resulting in excruciating pain from diarrhea and vomiting that can last for days. Finding the root cause of norovirus food poisoning can be challenging. However, if you were infected as a result of food contamination at a restaurant, nursing home, or other facility, an Illinois norovirus food poisoning attorney may be able to help establish liability and seek compensation for your suffering.

How Is Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus is highly contagious. It spreads when another person consumes particles of vomit or feces from an infected person, often through contaminated food, surfaces, and water. Spreading through food commonly results from one of the following actions:

• Someone infected with norovirus uses their bare hands to touch food.

• Particles of vomit from an infected person enter the air and land on the food.

• Food touches a surface, like a counter, that is contaminated with feces or vomit particles.

• Food is exposed to or grown in contaminated water.

• The water source for food, like fruits and vegetables, is contaminated.

Norovirus can be found in a person’s stool before they know they are sick. The most contagious time frames are when they have symptoms and the days after their condition appears to improve.

Can You Establish Accountability for Norovirus-Contaminated Food in Illinois?

The Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act outlines the laws a business must follow when handling food, including the requirements for training food handlers. Suppose you can prove that you contracted norovirus from a contaminated food source and that someone else was responsible for it, possibly because they violated Illinois food regulation laws. In that case, you can likely seek compensation for your suffering. 

However, proving negligence can be challenging. You must show that the defendant made, distributed, or served the food or product that contained the norovirus and that the defendant did not use reasonable care to stop the contamination. Sometimes, you can prove that they directly caused the food to be contaminated. Then, you must show that eating the food caused you to get sick. 

The source of contamination is not always the food. For example, you could have caught norovirus from improperly sanitized utensils, dishware, or other surfaces in the place where you consumed the food. An experienced norovirus lawyer will help you establish the distribution chain and determine who is liable.

When Should You Contact an Attorney About Norovirus Food Poisoning in Illinois?

You have two years from the date you ingested contaminated food to file a lawsuit. However, waiting that long is not generally advisable. Once you develop symptoms or receive a medical test that proves you were infected with norovirus, you should contact an attorney. These cases typically require evidence that can disappear if you delay the investigation. A knowledgeable lawyer will begin building your case immediately, collecting the evidence needed to prove your right to compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation With an Illinois Norovirus Food Poisoning Attorney Today

Businesses and individuals who distribute or handle food are responsible for ensuring its safety for consumption. They should be held accountable when they fail to uphold that duty and cause someone to suffer the painful consequences of food poisoning. The Illinois food safety lawyers at Newland & Newland, LLP have extensive experience in food poisoning cases, including those involving norovirus. Our team is dedicated to aggressively fighting for the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 312-981-0409 to schedule your free consultation today.