Georgia Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• The Georgia Boars Head listeria outbreak lawsuit has emerged due to significant health concerns, leading to various legal actions. This outbreak, one of the most severe in recent history, has affected numerous individuals and resulted in multiple fatalities.
• Health risks linked to Boar’s Head meats have caused recalls and contamination issues, with incidents of illness and deaths prompting legal claims from affected consumers. This article provides an overview of the outbreak, ongoing lawsuits, and steps for those affected.
• If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP is ready to help. With a proven history of representing plaintiffs, we aim to ensure you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing experienced legal representation, which can make all the difference in facing the daunting aftermath of a foodborne illness. We specialize in handling cases related to foodborne illnesses, including the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak and recalls of Boar’s Head products.

Our team can:

• Navigate the complexities of such cases, from gathering critical evidence to filing lawsuits and representing clients in court.
• We provide comprehensive support to ensure clients receive compensation for medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• With extensive experience and dedication, S&C will handle your claim with the utmost care and professionalism.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak is a sobering reminder of the importance of food safety. The outbreak strain of listeria has been identified in the contaminated products. With 57 reported infections and at least nine fatalities, this outbreak has had a widespread impact across 18 states.

Federal health officials have linked the outbreak to Boar’s Head products, prompting a massive recall and heightened scrutiny of their production facilities. Samples collected by health departments tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes.

In recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal agencies have been working tirelessly to control the outbreak’s spread and prevent further infections.

The recall includes over 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head deli meats, further highlighting the severity of the situation.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to the FSN, investigations into the Boar’s Head plant in Virginia have uncovered alarming food safety violations. Government inspectors cited the facility for 69 instances of noncompliance over the past year, including serious sanitation issues such as mold, insect presence, and unclean conditions [1].

These inspections revealed significant health and safety violations, raising concerns about the safety of the products manufactured there.

These violations have been directly linked to the listeria outbreak, which has resulted in multiple deaths and hospitalizations.

Despite these documented issues, no enforcement actions were taken during a critical inspection period, raising questions about the effectiveness of current food safety regulations. Heavy meat residue and flies in food areas further underscore the severe hygiene failures at the plant.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Georgia?

Boar’s Head Provisions has announced a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including liverwurst, turkey breast, ham, roast beef, and other ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes [2].

This recall also affects many poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand. To raise consumer awareness, specific sell-by dates and brands have been detailed.

This recall affects items with sell-by dates from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024. All deli items produced at the Virginia facility, including prepackaged products, are subject to this recall.

The Maryland Department of Health confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in these products, leading to significant recalls and public health alerts.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that thrives in various environments, including refrigerated settings. It is commonly found in moist environments such as soil and water and can contaminate food at different stages of production [3].

The contamination of meats sliced at delis has been a significant concern, particularly during the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak.

During the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, the bacteria contaminated several food products, leading to widespread infections. Understanding the nature of Listeria monocytogenes is crucial to recognizing the risks and taking preventive measures to avoid contamination.

Listeria Symptoms

Symptoms of listeria infection can vary widely, ranging from mild to severe.

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

• Fever
• Chills
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

However, in severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

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

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

Individuals who have consumed the affected Boar’s Head products and developed a listeria infection can file a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Georgia.

This includes those who have shown symptoms of listeria infection and require medical treatment. Family members of individuals who died as a result of the infection may also pursue legal action through a wrongful death lawsuit.

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

Settlement amounts in listeria outbreak lawsuits vary based on several factors, such as the severity of the illness and the related medical expenses. In comparable cases, settlements have ranged from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the impact on the victim’s health and life.

Medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term effects of the infection are factors influencing settlement amounts.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is evolving, with several lawsuits already in progress. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Florida on behalf of an 88-year-old man who died after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst.

The CDC has reported 57 infections and at least nine deaths across 18 states, highlighting the widespread impact of the outbreak.

The boar’s head plant linked to the outbreak has been closed indefinitely due to numerous health violations and unsanitary conditions.

Federal rules and regulations are being scrutinized to ensure such lapses do not occur again, and Boar’s Head has expressed regret and taken steps to address the issues.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Georgia

Filing a lawsuit related to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak involves several crucial steps. Victims must gather evidence, such as medical records and purchase receipts linking their illness to Boar’s Head products. Legal proceedings may also investigate Boar’s Head’s food safety practices to establish negligence.

Given the complexity, experienced legal representation is vital. Lawyers can navigate the legal process, ensuring all necessary documentation is collected and the case is presented effectively. This increases the chances of fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Related Articles:

• Tennessee Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Texas Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Attorney
• Michigan Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

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

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to providing support during these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to contact us if the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one.

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

We will help you understand your rights and assess your eligibility for compensation related to the listeria outbreak.

Our consultations are free and only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation and to explore your legal options.

Reference:

1. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2024/08/inspection-report-reveals-history-of-sanitation-issues-at-boars-head-plant-linked-to-deadly-listeria-outbreak/
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