Connecticut Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Boar’s Head faces legal action over allegations of negligence in preventing listeria contamination, which led to an outbreak in Connecticut. The lawsuit contends that the company’s failure to maintain proper sanitation in its production facilities directly contributed to the contamination.
• This article outlines the outbreak specifics, current legal proceedings, and the process for seeking compensation.
• Connecticut residents impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak can contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP for assistance. Our firm’s proven track record in plaintiff representation ensures we are well-equipped to help you pursue justice and fair compensation.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by navigating the intricacies of contaminated food and foodborne illness litigation, leveraging our extensive background in food safety law to guide victims through this complex process effectively.

Our approach to assisting clients includes:

• Comprehensive assessment of claims, considering both financial losses and non-monetary damages.
• No-cost initial consultations to provide expert legal guidance without financial commitment.
• Guidance on legal deadlines and consistent communication throughout the legal journey.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak is a serious public health concern that has affected at least 57 people in 18 states and resulted in at least nine deaths. The outbreak is linked to contaminated deli meats produced by Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. at its facility in Jarratt, Virginia.

Boar’s Head issued a recall for 71 meat products manufactured at their Virginia facility after a sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

The company has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including roast beef, turkey breast, ham, frankfurters, bacon, bologna, and other contaminated Boar’s Head products, due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

One of the most alarming aspects of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak is the numerous food safety violations uncovered at their Virginia facility.

According to INC, over the past year, this facility has been cited for 69 violations, including issues with mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions. These persistent problems, such as excessive buildup of meat remnants and visible mold, significantly increase the risk of listeria contamination [1].

Despite these violations, no enforcement actions were taken against Boar’s Head in the first quarter of 2024, raising serious questions about overseeing food safety regulations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has since halted operations at the implicated plant to ensure the safe production of food. Experts have noted that ongoing sanitation issues at the plant made this outbreak a completely avoidable travesty.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Connecticut?

The Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Connecticut include liverwurst, Virginia Ham, and Bologna, produced between June and July 2024. Consumers are urged to check product labels for establishment number EST. 12612, which indicates the recalled items [2].

Consumers should follow the recall instructions and safely return or dispose of affected products. This precaution helps prevent further spread of the listeria bacteria and protects public health from this potentially deadly infection.

Due to safety concerns, the recall includes ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand in Connecticut.

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak underscores the vital importance of food safety. The Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that deli meat, poultry, and egg products are safe for consumption but relies significantly on companies to self-regulate.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a serious infection that can be particularly severe in high-risk individuals. Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can survive and multiply even at refrigeration temperatures, making it a formidable challenge for food safety [3].

Understanding Listeria’s nature is crucial for recognizing its risks. The bacterium’s ability to thrive in safe environments highlights the need for stringent food handling and storage practices to prevent contamination.

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

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria infection symptoms, typically linked with food poisoning, can appear anywhere from the day of consumption to 70 days later. These symptoms can range widely and may include:

According to Mayo Clinic, common symptoms include [4]:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Gastrointestinal distress

In severe cases, you might experience:

• Severe headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Mental confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

For pregnant women, even mild symptoms can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage or stillbirth.

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

Connecticut residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently experienced severe listeria-related illness from the listeria outbreak linked to these products can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Connecticut.

Individuals hospitalized due to listeriosis and families who have lost loved ones to the infection are eligible. It is essential to act swiftly, as Connecticut’s statute of limitations typically requires claims to be filed within two years from the date the injury or illness was discovered.

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

Victims of the listeria outbreak can seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Financial losses due to lost income

Historically, lawyers have secured substantial settlements for clients affected by listeria contamination, with more than $9.6 billion in compensation awarded.

These settlements reflect the severe nature of foodborne illnesses and their significant impact on victims’ lives.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that both individual lawsuits and a potential class action in Connecticut. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Boar’s Head by victims affected by the listeria outbreak.

Notably, Rita Torres is one of the plaintiffs who claims she would not have purchased Boar’s Head products had she known about the possible contamination. This lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral costs, emotional distress, and other related damages.

While most cases settle out of court, some may proceed to trial if an agreement cannot be reached. Legal representation is typically offered contingently, meaning clients don’t pay upfront fees.

Related Articles:

• North Carolina Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Indiana Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Attorney
• New Jersey Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is committed to supporting Connecticut residents during this challenging period. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head recall, seek medical attention immediately and contact a food safety lawyer to discuss your options for filing a lawsuit.

Our experienced team specializes in foodborne illness cases and will guide you through the legal process.

We’ll help you understand your rights and evaluate your eligibility for compensation related to the listeria outbreak in Connecticut. Our consultations are free, and we only collect fees if we successfully resolve your case. Contact us today for a comprehensive review 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