Indiana Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Indiana faces a severe Listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products. Following multiple reported illnesses and deaths, agriculture department officials have issued regulatory actions and inspection reports related to food safety violations at the company’s plant.
• The investigation reveals a widespread impact, with numerous Listeria cases linked to Boar’s Head deli meats. This situation highlights the critical need for food safety and stringent regulatory oversight to prevent such incidents.
• This article delves into the Indiana boars head listeria outbreak lawsuit, providing essential insights on your legal rights, the latest updates, and how to initiate a claim if affected.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by navigating a foodborne illness lawsuit, specializing in food safety cases, and offering expert legal representation for those affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak.

Their experienced team handles cases involving contaminated food products and seamlessly guides you through the claim process.

Here are three key ways S&C can assist you:

• Filing information act requests and gathering evidence to build a strong case.
• Negotiating settlements to ensure your rights are protected throughout the process.
• Providing expert legal representation makes them a valuable ally in seeking justice and compensation.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted multiple states, prompting close monitoring by federal health officials and the CDC. With at least 57 illnesses and nine fatalities across 18 states, it is the most significant deadly listeria outbreak since 2011.

Officials traced the contamination source to Boar’s Head deli meats, leading to a massive recall of over 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head products. This significant recall underscores the severity of the listeria contamination.

Collaborative efforts between the Maryland Department of Health and the Baltimore City Health Department have been crucial in investigating and preventing further spread.

The outbreak has profoundly impacted public health. Federal officials have reported numerous food safety violations at the Boar’s Head facility, including issues related to contaminated Boar’s Head products.

These violations raise serious concerns about the company’s compliance with regulations and ability to ensure product safety.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

The Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak highlighted significant lapses in food safety protocols at the Boar’s Head Provisions facility.

According to INC, inspections revealed multiple violations, including hygiene and sanitation issues, which contributed to the contamination of ready-to-eat meat products and posed a severe public health risk [1].

Inspectors found several concerning issues, such as a rotten smell and fat residue on equipment processing deli meats. These findings indicate inadequate maintenance and cleaning practices, crucial for preventing foodborne illnesses.

The severity of these violations is evident, with at least nine fatalities and numerous illnesses reported. The impact of these lapses in food safety has been devastating, with health testing positive for Listeria monocytogenes during the investigation, underscoring the need for strict regulatory oversight and adherence to food safety standards and disease control to protect consumers.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Indiana?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Indiana are deli meats and poultry products such as liverwurst, bolognas, and smoked hams, which were found to be contaminated with listeria bacteria [2].

This massive recall of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand aims to prevent further illnesses and ensure public safety.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that thrives in moist environments and is resistant to cold temperatures. This makes it a significant concern in food safety, particularly in products like deli meats that are often stored and consumed cold [3].

Infection with Listeria monocytogenes can lead to listeriosis, a serious condition contracted through eating contaminated food, with severe health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations, including listeria infections.

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 from Eating Contaminated Food

Listeriosis symptoms range from mild to severe and may appear several days to weeks after consuming contaminated food.

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

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea

Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems face a significantly higher risk of severe infection.

These groups may experience more severe symptoms, including:

• Neurological complications like confusion
• Stiff neck
• Seizures

Pregnant women are particularly at risk, as listeriosis can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. Immediate medical attention is crucial if listeriosis symptoms are observed, especially in high-risk categories.

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

Indiana consumers who consumed contaminated Boar’s Head products and developed severe health issues due to Listeria may file a Boar’s head meat lawsuit in Indiana. This includes individuals who experienced severe symptoms or were hospitalized due to the infection.

Families of those who died from a Listeria infection linked to Boar’s Head products can pursue legal action on behalf of their loved ones.

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

Settlement amounts for lawsuits related to the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak can vary widely, influenced by factors such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering endured by the victims.

In Indiana, settlements for foodborne illness cases can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity and the strength of the evidence against Boar’s Head. The number of affected individuals and the clarity of negligence can also impact settlement amounts.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that as of July 2024, Boar’s Head faces significant legal scrutiny due to the widespread Listeria outbreak linked to their boar’s head deli meats and the boar’s head plant linked to the outbreak.

The Associated Press has extensively covered the outbreak, highlighting the lawsuits, health implications, and the company’s history with food safety regulations.

The outbreak has resulted in at least 57 hospitalizations and 9 fatalities, making it one of the most significant foodborne illness outbreaks in recent history.

Regulatory agencies have reported numerous food safety violations at the Boar’s Head facility, raising serious concerns about the company’s compliance with federal rules. Legal claims are being processed, and affected consumers are encouraged to act quickly due to state statute limitations.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Indiana

Filing a lawsuit against Boar’s Head for the Listeria outbreak involves several steps. Individuals who consumed recalled deli meats and developed serious illnesses must gather evidence, such as medical records and purchase receipts, to support their claims.

Consulting with a lawyer experienced in foodborne illness cases is crucial to navigating the legal process effectively. Many lawyers offer services on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if their case is successful.

Related Articles:

• North Carolina Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Utah Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Attorney
• Maryland Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

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

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to support you through these challenging times. If the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one, please contact us immediately.

Our skilled team specializes in handling foodborne illness cases and will guide you through the entire 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 we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case. Contact us for a comprehensive 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