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Alaska Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

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C.L. Mike Schmidt Published by C.L. Mike Schmidt

In Alaska, a legal situation involving Boar’s Head has developed, with some residents alleging that the company’s practices led to a listeria outbreak. 

The legal action suggests Boar’s Head’s Alaska facility may not have fully adhered to required food safety measures, potentially contributing to product contamination.

This guide offers information about the outbreak, current legal proceedings, and the process for those considering a claim. We encourage you to continue reading to understand the options available if this situation has impacted you.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is available to provide legal guidance for Alaska residents affected by the Boar’s Head listeria incident. Our firm has experience in similar cases and is prepared to help you understand your legal rights under Alaska law.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by leveraging its background in food safety law and aims to assist individuals through this process with care and expertise.

Our team offers support by:

  • Evaluating claims, considering both economic and non-economic aspects under Alaska law.

  • Providing initial consultations at no cost to offer legal insights.

  • Helping clients understand Alaska’s legal timelines and maintaining clear communication throughout the process.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has affected multiple states, including Alaska. This outbreak has led to significant health risks due to contaminated deli meats, such as liverwurst and other ready-to-eat products. 

These items, produced at Boar’s Head’s Virginia facility, have been linked to 57 hospitalizations and at least 9 deaths across 18 states. In Alaska, as in other states, the recall involves products distributed between June and July 2024, with sell-by dates extending into October.

Alaska health authorities urge consumers to check for recalled products, avoid consuming them, and follow safety guidelines like cleaning surfaces and refrigerators where contaminated products may have been stored. Boar’s Head has since discontinued its liverwurst production and implemented new food safety measures at its facilities.

For the latest updates on this outbreak and to check if you may have been affected, consult the CDC and your local Alaska health department.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak did not originate from an Alaska facility but was instead linked to a Virginia plant, as confirmed by investigations. 

Inspectors found 69 violations at this facility, including improper sanitation procedures, mold growth, insect infestations, and poor cold chain management, all contributing to the spreading of Listeria monocytogenes [1]. 

Despite prior warnings, these issues persisted, contaminating deli meats, including liverwurst and ham.

The outbreak has affected multiple states, resulting in hospitalizations and deaths. There have been 57 hospitalizations and at least 9 deaths across 18 states, but the outbreak was tied to Virginia, not Alaska.

Also Read: Wyoming Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Alaska?

Boar’s Head products recalled in Alaska include turkey, ham, roast beef, and various cold cuts produced between June 15, 2024, and September 30, 2024. These items have sell-by dates ranging from July 25, 2024, to October 20, 2024 [2]. 

The recall includes all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head brand sold in Alaska during this period. Affected products carry USDA inspection marks “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” on the packaging.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can survive in various conditions, including in ready-to-eat meat products. It’s known to cause food poisoning outbreaks and can grow even at refrigeration temperatures [3].

This organism can spread on food processing equipment, surfaces, and through food handlers. It’s found in soil, water, and animal feces, making it challenging to eliminate from food production environments.

Certain groups, including older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to severe illness. The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services monitors the situation and advises consumers about recalled products. Serious cases of listeriosis often require antibiotic treatment.

Listeria Symptoms

Symptoms of listeria infection can vary and may appear between 24 hours and 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

Common symptoms include [4]:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Stiff neck

  • Muscle pain

  • Gastrointestinal discomfort

More severe cases might involve:

  • Confusion

  • Loss of balance

  • Seizures

  • Meningitis

  • Septicemia

Pregnant women may experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to serious pregnancy complications.

Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Alaska?

Alaska residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head products and subsequently became ill can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Alaska. 

This includes those who were hospitalized and families of those who died from listeria infection. Alaska law allows two years for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Alaska

Settlement amounts in such cases can vary based on factors like illness severity and related damages. More severe cases often receive higher compensation.

Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In fatal cases, families may file wrongful death claims within two years of the date of death in Alaska.

Claims may also address emotional distress and long-term care needs resulting from listeria-related health issues.

The current legal status in Alaska is that individuals can pursue legal action through individual lawsuits or join a class action lawsuit. Individual lawsuits allow for personalized strategies, while the class action approach combines multiple claims into one case.

A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Alaska Superior Court. This method can be more efficient, but it’s important to know the time limits for filing set by Alaska law.

The legal proceedings aim to address the health impacts of the contaminated products. The lawsuit seeks compensation for those affected by the outbreak in Alaska.

“An unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes. WGS is ongoing to determine if the listeria in the liverwurst is the same as the ill people.”- U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Alaska

You can request a free case review to understand your options to start a lawsuit. Important evidence may include medical records and receipts for purchased products.

Many cases are settled out of court, but some may go to trial if an agreement isn’t reached. Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge fees if they win the case.

Get Your Free Consultation From Alaska Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark,LLP is committed to supporting you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our experienced team specializes in cases involving foodborne illnesses and will assist you throughout the legal process.

We will help you understand your rights and determine your eligibility for compensation related to the listeria outbreak. Our consultations are free and we only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us for a thorough evaluation of your situation and to explore your legal options.

Reference:

  1. https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
  2. https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269

 

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