Joe Belgio reportedly experienced a severe cardiac event (Image: ABC 7)
A retired Marine and firefighter has filed a negligence lawsuit alleging that contaminated oysters he was served at a Chicago-area steakhouse caused the brain damage he suffered after falling critically ill. The man has reportedly been hospitalised for over a year.
Joseph Belgio, a 44-year-old Marine Corps veteran and former Cicero firefighter, is suing Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois, alleging that contaminated oysters served at the restaurant caused a chain of events that ultimately resulted in catastrophic brain damage. Belgio ate the oysters during a family meal at the restaurant on June 30, 2025, according to the lawsuit. Within days, he became seriously ill and suffered cardiac arrest three days later.
The lawsuit comes more than a year after Belgio first became critically ill. (Image: ABC 7)
His attorneys allege that he lost consciousness and oxygen to his brain for several minutes before being revived by first responders, including members of the same fire department where he had previously worked. The resulting injury was an anoxic brain injury, caused when the brain is deprived of oxygen.
According to his legal team, Belgio spent months in a coma and remains in hospital more than a year after the incident. He now has severe cognitive impairments and requires extensive, around-the-clock care.
As reported by ABC 7 Chicago, Attorney Scott O’Sullivan, said: “He is most likely bedridden for the rest of his life. He is extremely brain damaged, with very little cognitive capacity, and will need care for the rest of his life.”
The lawsuit alleges he contracted severe bacterial infections including EPEC, Plesiomonas shigelloides, and Vibrio strains.
Belgio has a seven-month-old daughter, Carmela, with his fiancée Melanie Stayer, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support his ongoing medical care. The fundraiser has raised over $88,500 to help cover his long-term care and support his young family.
The GoFundMe Page was created on July 8, 2025, and reads: “On Thursday, July 3rd, our beloved Joe Belgio experienced a severe cardiac event. The exact cause is still unknown at this time. This unexpected medical crisis has profoundly affected his family and livelihood, and Joe is now on life support, bravely fighting for his life.
“Joe has always been a man dedicated to service—an ex-Marine and firefighter who has devoted his life to protecting others and serving his country. He completed a courageous tour of duty in Iraq, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and heart every step of the way. Joe has always been the first to lend a hand when help is needed.
“He is a cherished father, fiancé, son, brother, and friend. Joe and Melanie are the proud parents of a beautiful 7-month-old baby girl, Carmela. Being her dad brings him immense joy, and he now needs our collective support to ensure a bright future for her and his family.
“As you can imagine, the emotional and financial burden is significant. We have created a GoFundMe page to assist with Joe’s ongoing medical care and to support his young family during this challenging time.
Gibsons Restaurant Group said in a statement: “The impact of Mr. Belgio’s cardiac event is tragic. We recognise the seriousness of what he is facing and wish him a full recovery.
“We take food safety extremely seriously, and providing a superior and safe dining experience is always our primary focus.
“There have been no other reported cases of illness.
“Based on the facts and our internal investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that our establishment caused his health condition. We are confident that a fair and thorough legal process will agree with this conclusion.”
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