Salmonella Poisoning: Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Actions

By Your Health Magazine

Salmonella poisoning is a common illness caused by bacteria that affects the intestines. Most of the time, it’s caused by eating or drinking something that is contaminated. The symptoms can be as mild as stomach cramps or as bad as being so thirsty that you need to go to the hospital. Knowing what causes it and what its signs are can help you avoid getting it and take legal action if someone is at fault.

Salmonella has spread through Chicago several times because of contaminated food in grocery stores and restaurants. Foodborne illnesses are more likely to happen in cities with lots of people and lots of food places, like Chicago. Handling and storing food the right way is important to prevent outbreaks.

A Chicago salmonella attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options if you or someone you care about gets sick from food.

Causes of Salmonella Poisoning

Food, water, and contact with animals that are infected with salmonella can all make you sick. Some common sources are:

Meat, poultry, and fish that are undercooked or raw—The risk is lower if you cook food thoroughly.
Raw eggs and dairy products that haven’t been pasteurized can carry the bacteria that can make you sick.
Contaminated fruits and vegetables—If you don’t wash or handle them properly, the bacteria can spread.
Snakes, birds, and farm animals may carry salmonella, as well as pets and wild animals.
If you don’t wash your hands after using the bathroom or touching raw food, you could get infected.

People with weak immune systems, young children, and older people are more likely to get very sick from salmonella. For these people, even a small amount of contact can make them very sick.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning

Between 6 and 72 hours after exposure, salmonella infection symptoms show up. Some of these symptoms are:

Diarrhea: This can be very severe and may cause dehydration.
Fever and chills: When the body gets an infection, it leads to increased temperature.
Abdominal cramps: The stomach area experiences pain and feels uncomfortable.
Nausea and vomiting: Some people feel sick, which can make them throw up.
Headache and muscle pain: General weakness and fatigue may also happen.

Most cases go away on their own in a few days, but people with serious infections may need to see a doctor. If the symptoms don’t go away or get worse, you may need to go to the doctor.

Legal Actions for Salmonella Poisoning

If someone else’s negligence caused you to get salmonella illness, you may be able to sue them. Some common situations that lead to lawsuits are:

Restaurants that serve spoiled food: If they don’t follow food safety rules, they could be held responsible.
Grocery shops that sell unsafe products: If they sell contaminated food to people, they could be breaking the law.
Negligence in food preparation plants: Outbreaks can be caused by dirty food production facilities.
Unreported outbreaks: Failure to tell the public about contamination can lead to legal claims.

Victims may be able to get compensation to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Talking to a lawyer can help you figure out what the best thing to do is.