Legal action has been filed against Boar’s Head. Plaintiffs claim that the company’s failure to maintain listeria-free products led to an outbreak in Arizona. The lawsuit alleges that inadequate sanitation practices at their facilities contributed to the contamination.
This comprehensive guide covers the details of the outbreak, the current legal proceedings, and the process for filing a claim. Read on to learn how to seek compensation if you’ve been affected in Arizona.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP is ready to provide support for those impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria issue. Our firm has a strong track record of representing plaintiffs and is committed to helping you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
- How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
- What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Arizona
- What Is The Current Legal Status?
- Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Arizona
- Get Your Free Consultation From Arizona Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
- Reference:
How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
Traversing the intricate landscape of legal claims following a listeria infection can be daunting. S&C is well-positioned to shepherd Arizona victims through this complex process.
Our seasoned team can support you by:
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Conducting comprehensive claims assessments encompassing economic and non-economic damages specific to Arizona cases.
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Offering no-cost initial consultations to provide premier legal counsel without any upfront expenses for Arizona inhabitants.
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Guiding clients through Arizona’s statutes of limitations and maintaining transparent dialogue throughout the legal journey.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has been linked to their deli meats, particularly ready-to-eat products.
The first case was reported on May 29, 2024, and since then, the situation has escalated with over 57 hospitalizations and a massive recall of more than 3,600 tons of Boar’s Head products [1]. Retailers like Target, Kroger, and Safeway have all been affected by the recall.
This large-scale boar’s head recall includes specific products produced at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia.
The expanded recall in August included all products from this facility, underlining the severity of the contamination. Health officials monitor the situation closely, as further testing is ongoing to ensure all contaminated products are identified and removed from circulation.
Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations
The Boar’s Head facility in Virginia has faced significant scrutiny for its food safety practices. Within the past year, there have been 69 instances of noncompliance with federal food safety regulations, including severe cleanliness issues like heavy meat buildup, mold, and blood on the floors [2].
These violations have closed the boar’s head plant indefinitely, as it failed to demonstrate safe food production practices.
These unsanitary conditions have contributed to the deadly listeria outbreak that has resulted in at least nine fatalities and numerous hospitalizations across multiple states.
Also Read: Alabama Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Arizona?
Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Arizona include liverwurst, bologna, and roast beef.The recall is extensive, covering 71 specific products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024.
These products have sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024. Consumers can identify the recalled products by looking for establishment numbers ‘EST. 12612’ or ‘P-12612’ on the labels.
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a hardy bacterium capable of surviving on surfaces and in ready-to-eat meat products [3].
It’s a frequent culprit in food poisoning outbreaks, particularly perilous in Arizona’s warm climate.
This pathogen proliferates rapidly among equipment, surfaces, food, and hands, and can thrive in soil, water, and animal feces. Notably, refrigeration does not eliminate listeria bacteria in contaminated meats, rendering it a persistent threat to food safety in Arizona.
Individuals at highest risk include older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems, a matter of particular concern given Arizona’s substantial retirement community.
The Arizona Department of Health Services monitors the illness, reports on deaths and hospitalizations, and urges consumers to verify if they have any recalled products. Severe cases of listeriosis typically necessitate antibiotic treatment.
Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection symptoms can vary but often include [4]:
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fever
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muscle aches
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headache
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stiff neck
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confusion
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loss of balance
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seizures
These symptoms can develop within a few hours to several days after eating contaminated food. High-risk groups for listeria infection include pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The outcomes of listeriosis can be severe, particularly for vulnerable populations. Pregnant women can face serious complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in newborns. In the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, the infection can lead to death.
“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.”- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Arizona?
Any Arizona resident who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently experienced a severe illness linked to listeria is eligible to file a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in the state.
This encompasses individuals who required hospitalization due to listeriosis and families of victims who did not survive in Arizona.
Swift action is crucial, as Arizona’s statute of limitations imposes specific timeframes for filing claims, typically two years from the date of injury or discovery of illness.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Arizona
In Arizona, settlement amounts for listeria lawsuits vary, influenced by factors such as illness severity and associated damages. Generally, cases involving hospitalization or long-term health impacts tend to receive higher compensation.
Arizona victims may seek recompense for economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
In cases where a loved one has died due to listeria complications, families in the state may file wrongful death claims.
What Is The Current Legal Status?
The current legal status is that there are multiple ongoing lawsuits. Affected consumers may pursue legal action based on evidence of negligence by Boar’s Head. If you consumed recalled Boar’s Head products and suffered serious illness or hospitalization, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
For example, Sue Fleming, a consumer who fell seriously ill after consuming contaminated liverwurst, has already filed a lawsuit. This case highlights the potential for affected individuals to seek compensation through legal action against Boar’s Head.
These legal proceedings aim to hold Boar’s Head Deli accountable for the health impacts caused by its contaminated deli meats in Arizona.
Evidence from state health officials bolsters the case. The lawsuit seeks compensation for victims affected by the outbreak in Arizona.
Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Arizona
To start a lawsuit in Arizona, the process begins with a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options. Essential evidence might include medical records and purchase receipts linking your illness to contaminated products purchased in the state.
While many cases are settled through negotiations, some may go to court if an agreement cannot be made. Typically, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t incur upfront costs.
Get Your Free Consultation From Arizona Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
Schmidt & Clark,LLP is dedicated to offering support during these difficult times. If you or a loved one in Arizona has been affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, we urge you to reach out to us.
Our experienced team, specializing in foodborne illness cases in Arizona, will assist you through every step of the legal process. We’ll help you understand your rights and determine your eligibility for compensation related to the outbreak.
Consultations are free, and we only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us today for a thorough assessment of your situation and to discuss your legal options in Arizona.
Reference:
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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/boars-head-recall-listeria-deli-meat-lawsuits/
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https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269