The national law firm of Marler Clark has filed its fourth salmonella lawsuit against Brinker Restaurant Corp., owner of the now-closed Vernon Hills Chili’s Grill & Bar.

The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Claude McDermott, who became seriously ill with a salmonella infection and suffered permanent injury after eating catered, take-out food from Chili’s, according to Marler Clark attorney Denis Stearns.

Stearns said Thursday the "Chili’s Party Platters" were served as part of a celebration at his place of work, a "celebration turned-bad that resulted in Claude and a host of co-workers falling ill."

The lawsuit, in addition to seeking compensation for past medical bills, and general damages for pain and suffering, seeks punitive damages, alleging Chili’s "acted in a grossly negligent manner.