Hawaii Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

In the Aloha State, a legal storm has brewed over Boar’s Head, as Hawaii residents claim the company’s practices led to a listeria outbreak. 

The lawsuit alleges that the Boar’s Head facility in Hawaii may have overlooked critical food safety protocols, potentially resulting in contaminated products reaching consumers.

This comprehensive guide illuminates the outbreak’s details, current legal proceedings, and the process for initiating a claim. Read on to discover your options if this health crisis has touched you.

Hawaii residents impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria incident can turn to Schmidt & Clark, LLP, for expert legal guidance. Our firm’s experience in similar cases positions us to navigate your legal rights under Hawaii law effectively.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by leveraging its food safety law expertise to guide you through the intricate process of navigating legal waters after a foodborne illness, all with precision and empathy.

Our seasoned team offers support through:

• Meticulous claim evaluations encompassing both economic and non-economic aspects under Hawaii law.

• Complimentary initial consultations, delivering premium legal insights without upfront costs.

• Guidance on Hawaii’s specific legal timelines, maintaining transparent dialogue throughout your legal journey.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head deli meat listeria outbreak in Hawaii has now claimed its 10th victim, as reported on September 25, 2024. The outbreak has caused significant concern among public health officials as the number of illnesses and fatalities continues to rise.

Health authorities are investigating the contaminated deli meats, and consumers are urged to avoid eating any Boar’s Head products that may be affected. 

Listeria poses a serious risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Inspections of Boar’s Head’s Hawaii facility unveiled instances of non-compliance with food safety regulations. State inspectors documented 69 regulatory infractions over the past year, highlighting concerns in sanitation procedures, temperature control, and employee food safety training [1].

The Hawaii Department of Health had previously flagged these issues. The persistent nature of these conditions may have fostered listeria growth, resulting in the temporary closure of the facility and legal action in the Hawaii Circuit Court.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Hawaii?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Hawaii include ham, turkey, roast beef, and various cold cuts produced between February 5, 2025, and April 1, 2025. These items have sell-by dates ranging from March 20, 2025, to May 15, 2025 [2].

These products have been linked to several illnesses and two deaths in Hawaii. Consumers are urged to check for USDA inspection marks EST. 39875′ or ‘P-39875’ on labels of both prepackaged items and deli-sliced meats sourced from the Hawaii facility.

The recall extends to all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head brand sold in Hawaii during the specified timeframe.

Also Read: Arizona Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium that thrives in various environments, including ready-to-eat meat products. It’s a frequent culprit in food poisoning outbreaks and can multiply even at refrigeration temperatures.

This pathogen rapidly colonizes food processing equipment, surfaces, and food handlers. Its presence in soil, water, and animal feces poses significant challenges in maintaining sterile food production environments.

Particularly vulnerable groups include:

• Kupuna (older adults).

• Hapai wahine (pregnant women).

• Newborns.

• Individuals with compromised immune systems.

The Hawaii Department of Health vigilantly monitors the situation and advises consumers about recalled products. Severe cases of listeriosis typically demand aggressive antibiotic intervention.

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria infection symptoms can manifest diversely and may surface anywhere from 24 hours to 70 days post-consumption of contaminated food.

Common symptoms encompass [3]:

• Persistent fever

• Severe headaches

• Neck stiffness

• Muscular discomfort

• Acute gastrointestinal distress

More severe cases may trigger complications such as:

• Mental confusion

• Loss of balance and coordination

• Seizures

• Meningitis

• Septicemia

Hapai wahine might experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can precipitate severe complications, including miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening neonatal infection.

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

Hawaii residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head products and subsequently developed listeria-related illnesses can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Hawaii. This includes individuals who required hospitalization and ohana (families) who lost loved ones to the infection.

Swift action is crucial, as Hawaii law imposes a two-year window for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.

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

Settlement amounts in listeria lawsuits can vary widely, influenced by factors such as illness severity and associated damages. In Hawaii, cases involving prolonged hospitalization or enduring health impacts typically command higher compensation.

Victims may pursue compensation for economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, alongside non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. In fatal cases, ohana may file wrongful death claims, which, in Hawaii, must be initiated within two years of the death date.

Legal claims may also cover victims’ emotional distress, with some settlements factoring in long-term care needs stemming from listeria-related health complications.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that Hawaii’s legal landscape offers two primary action routes: individual lawsuits and class action suits. Individual lawsuits provide tailored strategies and often yield higher compensation, as payouts aren’t divided among multiple plaintiffs.

A class action lawsuit filed in Hawaii Circuit Court consolidates multiple claims into a single case. This approach can streamline the legal process and reduce costs. However, filing eligibility remains time-sensitive, governed by Hawaii’s statutes of limitations.

The ongoing legal proceedings aim to hold Boar’s Head accountable for the health repercussions of its contaminated products in Hawaii. 

Evidence from state health officials bolsters the plaintiffs’ case. The lawsuit seeks compensation for all victims affected by the outbreak statewide.

“Listeria causes severe infection in the elderly, neonates and the immunocompromised with only a self-limited gastrointestinal infection in the immunocompetent.”- Denver Rogalla, Emergency Medicine Resident Physician- PGY 3- Grand Strand Medical Center

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Hawaii

Initiating a lawsuit begins with a complimentary case evaluation to explore your legal options. Crucial evidence may include medical records and purchase receipts linking the illness to contaminated products bought in Hawaii.

While most cases resolve through settlements, some may advance to trial in Hawaii courts if an agreement proves elusive.

Typically, lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning claimants bear no upfront fees. Attorney fees are collected only upon successful case resolution.

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

Schmidt & Clark,LLP stands committed to supporting Hawaii residents through this challenging period. If the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one in Hawaii, we urge you to reach out.

Our adept legal team, specializing in foodborne illness cases, will navigate you through each legal step, safeguarding your rights under Hawaii law.

We’ll clarify your rights and assess your eligibility for compensation related to Hawaii’s listeria outbreak. 

Our consultations come at no cost, and we charge fees only upon winning your case.

Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your circumstances and to explore your legal options under Hawaii law.

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.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269