Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney | Chicago E. Coli Injury Lawyer | Salmonella

Five Everyday Foods That Could Be Making You Sick

2026-04-27 00:00:00

While you may understand why that questionable buffet crab or several-hour-old hot dog gave you food poisoning, the number of bacteria vectors in your own fridge might surprise you. Several common – not just common, but healthy – foods are often to blame for serious cases of food poisoning. Among these are prepackaged salads, oysters, and, shockingly, cantaloupe.

If you got seriously sick after eating one of these contaminated foods in 2026, an Illinois food poisoning lawyer can help you understand whether you have a legal claim.

Why Do So Many "Healthy" Foods Have a High Risk of Food Poisoning?

It might seem strange that food like salads could make you sick. Several factors make some nutritionally good foods more likely to harbor dangerous bacteria. Raw or minimally processed foods don't go through a heat step that would kill pathogens. Foods grown in soil whose leaves are close to the ground are more exposed to contamination in the soil or water. And when produce is processed in large batches, a few contaminated items can spread bacteria across an entire lot.

How You Can Get Food Poisoning From a Grocery Store

2026-04-13 00:00:00

Most people don't think twice about picking up groceries, but it does actually come with some risks, including food poisoning. While many people think of food poisoning coming from places like restaurants, grocery stores do their fair share of spreading food-borne contaminants. If someone can definitively trace a bout of food poisoning to food they bought at a grocery store, they may actually have a legal case.

An Illinois food poisoning attorney can review the evidence in your case and help you understand your options.

How Can a Grocery Store Cause Food Poisoning?

If a grocery store sells spoiled food, there’s a pretty clear connection between them and subsequent food poisoning. This spoilage can happen before the store receives it or while it sits in too-warm conditions at the store. Some foods, like vegetables, are contaminated from the start with things like E. coli in the manure used to fertilize them while growing.

Food Poisoning Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

2026-03-25 00:00:00

Many of us have heard about food poisoning cases that ended in hospitalization. When it comes to ourselves, it might be hard to know when we should make the call between toughing it out and getting emergency medical help. Most food poisoning will pass over the course of hours or days. Knowing the signs of severe food poisoning may actually save your long-term health.

For anyone who’s been seriously ill with food poisoning and is now looking to take legal action, an Illinois food poisoning lawyer can help you understand whether you have a legal claim.

When Is Food Poisoning More Than Just a Stomach Bug?

It can be hard to tell when food poisoning is serious. Nausea, cramping, and diarrhea are common symptoms of many illnesses, and people often (correctly) assume they will feel better in a day or so. Warning signs that point to something more serious include:

How Do I Know If My Food Poisoning Is from E. Coli?

2026-03-11 00:00:00

Most of us, when confronted with pain, nausea, and vomiting, assume it’s just run-of-the-mill food poisoning. We’ll suffer for a few hours, maybe overnight, and then gradually return to normal. Sometimes, though, what seems like a minor illness is actually an E. coli infection – and E. coli can be serious.

If you got sick after eating contaminated food in Illinois, an Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you understand whether you should seek more intensive medical attention. If things get serious, they can also help you know whether you have a legal claim in 2026.

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli Food Poisoning?

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria. Most strains are harmless, but certain types – particularly O157:H7 – can cause serious illness. This strain produces a toxin that damages the lining of your intestines.

What to Do if You Are Contacted by a Restaurant’s Insurer

2026-02-27 00:00:00

In the early stages of a food poisoning claim, it’s fairly common for a restaurant’s insurance company to reach out to the person filing the claim. While this may not seem like a major concern, this is actually where many people hurt their own claims. An Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you avoid common missteps and speak on your behalf during negotiations with the insurer.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have years of experience handling food poisoning claims, having secured millions in compensation from nationwide and local outbreaks. We will guide you through the process of filing a claim, advising you on how to respond when an insurance adjuster reaches out.

Is it a Bad Idea to Talk to the Insurer in a Food Poisoning Claim?

In most cases, it is not a good idea to speak with the insurer alone.

How to Protect Your Food Poisoning Claim | IL Injury Lawyer

2026-02-16 00:00:00

If you have gotten sick due to a restaurant or food provider’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, filing a claim is a multi-step legal process, and small errors can hurt your chances of recovering payment. To avoid these pitfalls, consider working with an Illinois food poisoning lawyer.

Attorney Gary A. Newland of Newland & Newland, LLP has over 30 years of legal experience. Across his career, he has personally represented many clients in food poisoning actions. Our firm will provide you with hands-on guidance, walking you through each step of your food poisoning claim.

Three Common Mistakes in Food Poisoning Claims

Under Illinois law, food providers have a duty to provide food that is reasonably safe to eat. The Illinois Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act sets standards designed to protect the public from adulterated or contaminated food products. When businesses fail to meet those standards, they can be held liable.

Do Buffets Carry a Greater Risk of Food Poisoning? | IL

2026-01-31 00:00:00

Many restaurants or catering establishments use buffets to get customers in the door with the promise of all-you-can-eat food. However, the same things that make buffets so enticing are often the biggest risk factors to your health. You should know that buffets can be a major hotspot for food poisoning, especially when establishments don't take safety precautions seriously.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our Illinois food poisoning injury attorneys can investigate an illness that originated from a buffet. We have represented clients throughout the greater Chicago area and Illinois for over 20 years, so you can trust that your case will be handled by a highly qualified team of attorneys.

The Main Risk Factor for Food Poisoning at Buffets

Buffets have one big problem that regular restaurants do not have — the food sits out. Staff may refill the servings, but the old food might remain mixed with the new food. The longer food sits at room temperature, the more germs can grow. That risk goes up even faster when the dining room is warm, the food pans are shallow, or the buffet is busy and lids stay off.

What Should I Do if a Restaurant Served Me Raw Food?

2026-01-18 00:00:00

When dining at a restaurant, you would expect a professional level of care in making sure that the food is safe to eat. Unfortunately, some restaurants miss the mark when it matters most. If your health was compromised by a raw or undercooked dish, you may have a food poisoning claim on your hands. An Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you take legal action and seek compensation for your damages.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have years of experience investigating food poisoning incidents, from small, isolated cases to nationwide outbreaks. Our firm can review your case and inform you of your next steps, prioritizing your best interests.

What Are the Health Risks of Eating Raw Meat?

Eating raw or undercooked meat can expose you to dangerous bacteria and parasites. Restaurants are required to handle and cook food safely. When this basic step isn’t followed, patrons are put at risk. Raw poultry, beef, pork, and seafood can carry organisms like Salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, and listeria. These pathogens can survive if meat is not cooked to the proper internal temperature.

How Dangerous Is Botulism?

2025-12-31 00:00:00

When you hear the term "food poisoning," you might think of salmonella or E. coli, which infect millions of people per year. However, not many people are familiar with botulism, which can come with life-threatening symptoms. If you fear that you have been exposed to this sickness, an Illinois food poisoning attorney can help you take legal action.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we investigate all kinds of food poisoning cases, from small luncheons to nationwide outbreaks. We will help you understand this illness and inform you of your options to seek payment for your damages.

How Common Is Botulism in 2026?

Botulism remains rare but serious in 2026. Most cases happen when people eat food that was not canned or stored safely. In the United States, fewer than 200 cases occur each year.

Outbreaks often involve home–canned vegetables or under-cooked garlic oil mixtures. Even though modern food safety rules help lower risks, simple mistakes in home kitchens or small food businesses can still cause problems. Because botulism grows in low-oxygen environments, it can appear in canned foods, vacuum-sealed packages, or certain preserved fish products. Proper heating and storage help prevent spores from turning into poison.

Baby Formula Company Investigated for Botulism Outbreak

2025-12-11 00:00:00

Nobody wants to consider that their infant child may have been a victim of food poisoning. However, an investigation conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control has linked the baby formula company ByHeart to an outbreak of botulism across multiple states, leading to a nationwide recall.

Finding out that your child has been exposed to a contaminated product can be distressing, especially when it leads to a serious case of botulism. However, with help from an Illinois food poisoning attorney, you can pursue legal action against the party at fault, no matter how large or small the company. If you believe that you or your child has contracted botulism from a negligent food provider, reach out to Newland & Newland, LLP today.