Posted on August 12, 2024 in Food Poisoning

When you hear about cases of food poisoning, they often involve restaurants, grocery stores, and other permanent facilities where people can buy unprepared or ready-to-eat food. While it is true that individual cases or outbreaks often come from this type of setting, you can also suffer from foodborne illnesses due to eating food provided by mobile vendors. These illnesses may require medical treatment, cause you to miss work, and even cause death.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have specific experience handling food poisoning cases that other firms lack. One of our well-qualified attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Are Mobile Food Vendors?

Food trucks, carts, trailers, and kiosks are examples of mobile food vending operations. These businesses sell ready-to-eat foods that may be prepared in a licensed food establishment or on-site. These vendors need various permits and licenses and must meet certain requirements to comply with state and local laws, which may vary by location and type of vendor. Chicago alone has around 300 mobile food trucks and vendors, with many more throughout Illinois.

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 Posted on July 30, 2024 in Food Poisoning

An unexpected trend has emerged in the dairy industry: a significant increase in raw milk sales. Despite longstanding warnings from health authorities, consumers are flocking to unpasteurized dairy products, potentially putting their health at risk. An Illinois lawyer can help you address this concerning trend and provide clarity on the dangers associated with raw milk consumption.

The Surge in Raw Milk Sales

According to recent NielsenIQ data, raw cow’s milk sales have increased by 21 percent to 65 percent compared to the previous year. This surge comes at a particularly precarious time, as the first cases of bird flu in U.S. cattle were confirmed on March 25, 2024. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has explicitly labeled raw milk as one of the "riskiest" foods people can consume, yet sales continue to climb.

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 Posted on July 15, 2024 in Hepatitis

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is highly contagious and primarily affects the liver, causing inflammation. Understanding how this virus spreads is important for prevention and protecting your health. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand the impact of hepatitis A outbreaks on individuals and communities.

Signs of Hepatitis A to Watch Out For

Recognizing the symptoms of hepatitis A is important for early detection and treatment. The signs typically appear two to seven weeks after exposure to the virus. It is important to note that not all infected individuals, especially children, may show symptoms. Here are key signs to watch out for:

• Joint pain
• Low-grade fever
• Loss of appetite
• Dark urine
• Fatigue and weakness

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 Posted on June 26, 2024 in Food Poisoning

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes a common intestinal infection known as giardiasis. Understanding how this parasite spreads and recognizing its symptoms are crucial steps in prevention and early treatment. An Illinois lawyer can help you take legal action if your case qualifies.

Common Symptoms of Giardia

Giardia infection can manifest in various ways, and symptoms typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure. Some individuals may remain asymptomatic, unknowingly spreading the parasite to others. For those who do experience symptoms, they often include:

• Watery, foul-smelling diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Gas and flatulence

These symptoms can persist for several weeks if left untreated, leading to dehydration and malnutrition. In some cases, individuals may develop long-term complications such as lactose intolerance or irritable bowel syndrome.

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 Posted on June 14, 2024 in Food poisoning attorney

Cryptosporidium, often referred to simply as “crypto,” is a microscopic parasite that can cause a nasty intestinal infection called cryptosporidiosis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), crypto is one of the leading causes of waterborne illness in the United States. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand how important it is to be aware of this health risk and how to seek potential compensation for your illness.

Know the Symptoms

The telltale signs of a crypto infection usually appear within two to 10 days after exposure. Watery diarrhea is the most common symptom, which can last several weeks and lead to dehydration if not properly managed. Other symptoms may include:

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 Posted on May 29, 2024 in Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, poses a significant threat to public health, especially for women who are pregnant and their unborn babies. In Illinois, food poisoning cases involving Listeria are taken seriously because of the potential for severe complications and even fatalities. An Illinois lawyer can help you understand the unique dangers Listeria presents to expectant mothers and the legal options available to those affected.

The Heightened Risk for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women have a roughly tenfold increased risk of contracting listeriosis compared to the general population. This increased susceptibility is attributed to the changes in the immune system during pregnancy, which are necessary to support the growing fetus. However, this temporary immune suppression also makes it more difficult for the mother’s body to fight off harmful bacteria like Listeria.

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 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.

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 Posted on April 26, 2024 in Food poisoning attorney

Food poisoning is a significant issue that affects millions of people each year. If you experience food poisoning, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering and related expenses. However, several misconceptions surrounding food poisoning claims can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. A Texas lawyer will help you address some of the most common myths about food poisoning claims.

Misconception #1: Food Poisoning Is Not a Serious Issue

One of the most prevalent misconceptions about food poisoning is that it is a minor inconvenience rather than a serious health concern. In reality, food poisoning can lead to severe symptoms, hospitalization, and even long-term health complications. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are approximately 48 million people get sick because of foodborne illness in the state each year, with some cases requiring extensive medical treatment.

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 Posted on April 10, 2024 in Food poisoning attorney

If you went to a restaurant and now have food poisoning, you might be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. However, filing a food poisoning claim can involve multiple steps. An Illinois lawyer can help make sure you properly file your claim.

Make Sure You Seek Medical Attention

The initial and crucial step in submitting a food poisoning claim is obtaining medical care. This is vital for your health and recovery and also documents the nature and extent of your illness. Preserve all medical documents, such as diagnosis, treatment records, and receipts, since they are critical to your claim.

Report the Incident

Once you have received medical attention, report the incident to the appropriate authorities. In Illinois, you should contact your local health department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). They will investigate the source of the contamination and take necessary actions to prevent further illnesses. Reporting the incident promptly is essential, as it aids in pinpointing the contamination source and helps prevent further illness. When making a report, include detailed information such as the date and location of the meal, the exact food items consumed, and the symptoms that followed.

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 Posted on March 19, 2024 in Food Poisoning

Getting sick from contaminated food is a miserable experience that no one should have to go through. If you suffer from food poisoning after dining at a restaurant or purchasing groceries, you may be entitled to compensation. Properly documenting the incident is crucial for building a strong food poisoning lawsuit case. An Illinois lawyer can help you form your case based on the evidence you can bring forward.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

If you suspect food poisoning, your health should be the top priority. Seek medical care immediately, even if the symptoms seem mild at first. Complications from foodborne illnesses can be severe and even life-threatening in some cases. Your medical records will serve as vital evidence detailing your symptoms, test results, and treatment.

Save the Food Evidence

If you still have the contaminated food that caused your illness, keep it. Properly store the food in a sealed container or plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer. This physical evidence can potentially reveal the pathogen responsible for your sickness through lab testing. If the offending food has been discarded, document it by taking photos and keeping any receipts, packaging, or labels.

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