Reviewed By: The Spiros Law Team | Last Reviewed & Updated: August 6, 2026
Quick Answer
Yes. You may be able to file a claim if contaminated food from a restaurant caused your E. coli infection.
Some E. coli infections can lead to a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney damage or kidney failure. Children and older adults are at greater risk.
Depending on how the contamination occurred, the restaurant, franchise owner, corporate company, food supplier, or grower may be responsible.
Key Takeaways
- You May Have a Legal Claim: If contaminated restaurant food caused your E. coli infection, you may be able to file a claim based on negligence, strict product liability, or both.
- More Than One Party May Be Responsible: Depending on the source of the contamination, liability may include the restaurant, local franchise owner, corporate company, food supplier, grower, or processor.
- Serious Health Risks: Some E. coli strains, including E. coli O157, can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney damage or kidney failure.
- Take Action Quickly: Get medical care, ask about E. coli testing, follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations, report your illness to your local health department, and save receipts or other evidence related to your meal.
- There Is a Filing Deadline: In most cases, Illinois gives you two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit.
What Is E. Coli?
Most types of E. coli bacteria are harmless. However, some strains can cause serious food poisoning.
One of the most common strains linked to severe illness is E. coli O157:H7. It produces a toxin that can damage the intestines and, in severe cases, the kidneys.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Diarrhea, which may become bloody
- Vomiting
- Low fever or no fever
Symptoms usually begin three to four days after eating contaminated food but can appear anywhere from one to eight days later.
What Is HUS?
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is one of the most serious complications of an E. coli infection.
HUS can:
- Damage red blood cells
- Cause kidney failure
- Require hospitalization
- Lead to long term health problems
Children under age five are at the highest risk, but HUS can affect people of any age.
Important Treatment Information
Not every E. coli infection should be treated with antibiotics.
For certain strains, antibiotics may increase the risk of developing HUS.
Your healthcare provider should determine the appropriate treatment based on testing and your individual condition.
Possible Long Term Effects
Some people recover completely, while others experience lasting complications, including:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Reduced kidney function
- Dialysis or kidney transplant in severe cases
- High blood pressure
- Neurological complications
- Extended hospitalization
Foods Commonly Linked to E. Coli
E. coli outbreaks are commonly linked to:
Ground Beef
Undercooked ground beef is one of the most common sources because bacteria can spread throughout the meat during processing.
Leafy Greens
Romaine lettuce, spinach, and other leafy greens have been linked to multiple outbreaks.
Fresh Produce
Onions and other fresh vegetables have also been identified as sources of contamination.
Unpasteurized Dairy and Juice
Raw milk and unpasteurized juices may contain harmful bacteria.
Example: The 2024 McDonald’s Outbreak
A 2024 multistate outbreak linked to McDonald’s restaurants was traced to contaminated onions supplied through the food distribution chain.
The investigation showed that a single contaminated ingredient can affect many restaurant locations and may result in claims against suppliers, distributors, restaurants, or multiple parties.
Who May Be Responsible?
Depending on the facts, liability may involve:
- The restaurant
- The local franchise owner
- The corporate company
- The food supplier
- The grower or processor
Claims may be based on negligence, strict product liability, or both.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have E. Coli?
If you believe contaminated food caused your illness:
- Get medical care immediately.
- Ask about testing for E. coli.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment recommendations.
- Watch for signs of HUS, including decreased urination, unusual fatigue, or easy bruising.
- Save receipts and document what you ate.
- Report your illness to your local health department.
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What Compensation May Be Available?
A successful claim may include compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Hospital and emergency care
- Future medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death in fatal cases
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In most cases, Illinois gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Special rules may apply in some situations, including claims involving children.
Why Choose Spiros Law?
E. coli claims often require investigating restaurants, suppliers, growers, and food distributors to determine where contamination occurred.
Spiros Law investigates the source of the contamination, identifies potentially responsible parties, and works to preserve evidence needed to support your claim.
If you or a loved one became sick after eating contaminated food in Illinois, contact Spiros Law for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a claim if I have an E. coli infection?
If contaminated food caused your illness, you may have a claim. Cases involving hospitalization, HUS, or lasting health complications often involve greater damages.
Are children more likely to develop HUS?
Yes. Children under five have a higher risk, although HUS can occur at any age.
What if antibiotics were prescribed before my E. coli strain was identified?
Treatment decisions depend on the specific facts and should be evaluated by qualified medical professionals. If you have concerns about your care, discuss them with your attorney and healthcare provider.
Is undercooked meat the only source of E. coli?
No. E. coli outbreaks have also been linked to leafy greens, onions, and other fresh produce.
Can I file a claim if a supplier caused the contamination?
Yes. Suppliers, growers, processors, distributors, and restaurants may all be responsible, depending on where the contamination occurred.
Sources
- 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (Illinois Code of Civil Procedure): Mandates Illinois’s two-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury and foodborne illness lawsuits.
- Restatement (Second) of Torts § 402A: Sets the strict product liability standard for holding growers, suppliers, distributors, and restaurants liable for selling adulterated food.
- CDC Guidelines: Clinical Management & HUS Risks for STEC: Outlines clinical management, incubation periods, diagnostic protocols, and risks associated with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and antibiotic use.
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Report Food Safety Issues: Directs Illinois residents to local health departments to log complaints, report outbreaks, and trigger restaurant inspections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment, and contact Spiros Law for guidance specific to your legal situation.
