Our Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) lawyers can help you sue for compensation if you think you got GBS from contaminated food or a flu shot. Attorneys at Pritzker Hageman won over $2 million for one client. Contact the Pritzker Hageman legal team about your Guillain-Barré lawsuit.
Contact a Guillain-Barré Lawyer
Your case matters. We understand that this is a scary time. Our experience is that the paralysis associated with GBS is usually temporary. We are here when you are ready to find out why you or your loved one had to go through this difficult time. Contact our law firm if you want answers and justice.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Guillain-Barré (pronounced ghee-YAN bah-RAY) syndrome (GBS) is a condition in which the body damages its own nerve cells, resulting in muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis.
“GBS can last for weeks to months. Most people eventually recover completely or nearly completely, but some people have permanent nerve damage and between 5% and 6% of people who develop GBS die” (CDC).
The most severe cases involve paralysis of the muscles that control breathing. When this happens, the patient will require help from a machine to breathe. In most cases, this is a temporary condition. But some people never fully recover and about 5% die.
According to the Mayo Clinic:
But 80 percent of the people with Guillain-Barre syndrome recover completely or have only minor, residual weakness or abnormal sensations, such as numbness or tingling. Five percent to 10 percent experience more serious, permanent problems with sensation and coordination, including some cases of severe disability. And about one in 10 of those affected is at risk of experiencing a relapse.
GBS from Food Contaminated with Campylobacter
Camplylobacater bacteria in food causes about 30% of GBS cases. Most of these cases are from undercooked chicken products. The infection from this bacteria is called campylobacteriosis. The form of GBS triggered by Campylobacter is often more severe than forms caused by other infections or vaccinations.
The long-term consequences of this illness should be discussed with one of our attorneys. Any recovery (settlement or jury award) you receive from liable parties should include compensation for future medical expenses and future pain and suffering.
Below are 2 representative cases handled by Pritzker Hageman attorneys:
- A woman in Minnesota who was hospitalized for a month with GBS after contracting campylobacteriosis from undercooked chicken served at a restaurant; and
- A man in Pennsylvania who is paralyzed from the neck down because he drank raw milk contaminated with Campylobacter and then developed GBS.
You can call 1-888-377-8900 to request a free case evaluation.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms include the following:
- weakness or tingling sensations in the legs (first sign);
- spread of weakness and odd sensations to the arms and upper body;
- muscle weakness that rapidly progresses (over a few days or weeks);
- the loss of knee reflexes.
Generally, the muscles weaken for about 10 days until the person is unable to walk, but then the progression stops and muscle function is slowly restored. About 25% of people who get GBS have some permanent neurological disability.
In severe cases the person can become totally paralyzed, and breathing and heart function are also affected. When this happens, the patient is put on a ventilator, and some do not survive.
Contact our law firm if you or someone you love has become seriously ill due to a Campylobacter infection or developed Guillain-Barré syndrome from a flu shot.