Salmonella
Salmonella is one of the most common — and one of the most serious — causes of foodborne illness in the United States. The CDC estimates Salmonella causes more than a million illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and hundreds of deaths in the U.S. every year. Pritzker Hageman’s national Salmonella legal team has won landmark verdicts and settlements for victims, including a $6.5 million verdict for a child sickened by Salmonella Heidelberg.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella bacteria infect the intestinal tract, causing an illness called salmonellosis. Symptoms typically begin 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and last several days. There are many serotypes; some of the most-implicated in U.S. outbreaks are S. Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, S. Newport, and S. Heidelberg. The most severe form — typhoid fever — is caused by Salmonella Typhi and is uncommon in the U.S. but a serious risk for travelers.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever and chills
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration — especially dangerous in children, older adults, and pregnant women
Pritzker Hageman’s reference page on Salmonella symptoms covers warning signs in more detail.
Serious complications
Although most healthy adults recover in about a week, Salmonella can cause severe complications, including Salmonella colitis, bloodstream infection (invasive salmonellosis), Salmonella meningitis, and reactive arthritis that can persist for months or years after the infection clears. In the most tragic cases the firm has handled, Salmonella has caused wrongful death.
Common sources of Salmonella
- Poultry, eggs, and beef
- Fresh produce — including cucumbers, melons, onions, and tomatoes
- Nut butters, flour, and packaged snacks
- Unpasteurized milk and cheese
- Contact with reptiles, backyard poultry, and contaminated pet food
Salmonella in pregnancy
Salmonella infection during pregnancy carries real risk to both mother and baby. See Salmonella during pregnancy for an in-depth medical and legal overview.
When to consider legal action
Five common reasons people pursue a Salmonella lawsuit are hospitalization, long-term complications, a child’s illness, lost income, and the wrongful death of a loved one. Pritzker Hageman’s outbreak FAQ covers how cases are investigated and proven.