Maryland Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Attorney (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• Due to potential Listeria contamination, Boar’s Head Provisions Co. has recalled approximately 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head Deli meat. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service oversees the incident.
• The lawsuit addresses public health concerns and holds Boar’s Head accountable. This article covers the outbreak details, lawsuit eligibility, and how to seek compensation if affected.
• Schmidt & Clark, LLP can help if impacted by the nationwide listeria outbreak. Our goal is to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing free consultations and meticulously evaluating your case to determine your eligibility for compensation.

The attorneys at S&C are well-versed in the intricacies of foodborne illness claims, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Here is how we can help you:

• Provide free consultations to evaluate your case.
• Navigate the legal system to prove causation and liability.
• Ensure you receive fair compensation for your suffering.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head products is one of the largest in recent history, affecting multiple states.

As of late July 2024, 34 individuals had reported illnesses, 33 hospitalizations, and at least two fatalities. Boar’s Head has recalled approximately 7 million pounds of meat and poultry.

The collaborative efforts of the Baltimore City Health Department and the Maryland Department of Health were crucial in collecting samples and confirming positive tests for Listeria monocytogenes.

Investigations revealed unsanitary conditions, including mold, mildew, and insects, leading to a temporary suspension of operations.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service played a significant role in investigating and enforcing safety regulations. These findings highlight the need for stringent food safety regulations.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to INC, the investigation into the Boar’s head plant linked to the listeria outbreak uncovered numerous food safety violations, including unsanitary conditions like mold, mildew, and insects [1].

These violations are alarming, especially given the severity of the recall scale and the outbreak.

The consequences of these violations have been dire, with multiple hospitalizations and fatalities reported. A liverwurst sample tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria, prompting an expanded recall of Boar’s Head products.

This highlights the critical need for rigorous food safety practices and regular inspections to protect public health.

Which Recalled Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Maryland?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Maryland are deli meat products due to listeria contamination, affecting approximately 7 million pounds nationwide, including recalled Boar’s Head products. Specific recalled Boar’s Head products include various deli meats and poultry items [2].

More than 3,600 tons of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products have been recalled, indicating the serious nature of the contamination.

Consumers should check for the establishment number ‘EST. 12612’ or ‘P-12612’ on product labels to identify affected items. This information is crucial to ensure potentially contaminated products are not consumed, preventing further illnesses.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a resilient germ that thrives in moist environments and evades refrigeration methods, making it particularly dangerous. This bacterium can survive on surfaces and in food, leading to contamination that is not easily eradicated by typical food safety practices [3].

Listeriosis poses significant risks, especially to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

The severity of this disease underscores the need for stringent food safety measures and prompt medical attention for disease control when eating contaminated food symptoms appear.

Listeria Infection Symptoms

Symptoms of listeriosis can vary widely in severity.

According to Mayo Clinic, here are the common symptoms [4]:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting

These symptoms can appear within a few hours to three days after consuming contaminated food. These initial symptoms can be mistaken for less severe illnesses, making early detection difficult.

For pregnant women, listeriosis can cause severe complications such as miscarriage or stillbirth, making it particularly dangerous.

The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of severe health outcomes, including:

• Severe headaches
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

In severe cases, symptoms can escalate to more serious conditions such as a stiff neck, confusion, and seizures.

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

Individuals who consumed contaminated Boar’s Head products and experienced severe health issues due to negligence can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Maryland.

Those who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and became seriously ill, including those hospitalized or suffering severe symptoms after consuming contaminated products, may qualify to file a lawsuit.

Family members of individuals who died from Listeria infections linked to Boar’s Head products may also seek legal action.

Eligibility extends to those directly infected and family members affected by listeriosis. Taking legal action can help secure the compensation you deserve.

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

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

Settlement amounts for Listeria lawsuits in Maryland can reach six figures, depending on the case’s specifics and illness severity. These settlements compensate victims for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages from the outbreak.

Claimants may seek compensation for hospital bills, ongoing treatment costs, and lost wages due to illness.

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also significant components, reflecting the impact on the victim’s quality of life. In cases of egregious negligence, punitive damages may be sought as a financial penalty to deter future actions.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Boar’s Head by a family in Virginia after a relative died from a brain infection linked to contaminated products.

This tragic case is part of broader litigation concerning the listeria outbreak, which has affected at least 57 individuals across 18 states, with nine reported fatalities.

Litigation related to listeriosis outbreaks is ongoing in various jurisdictions, with several lawsuits currently filed against food producers and distributors. These legal actions highlight the serious consequences of foodborne illnesses and the importance of holding companies accountable for safety violations.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Maryland

If you experience fever, muscle aches, or nausea after consuming recalled Boar’s Head products, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Severe listeriosis can lead to serious health issues.

If symptoms appear after eating contaminated products, seek legal advice. In Maryland, affected individuals can sue Boar’s Head if they can prove their illness resulted from the contaminated products. The process involves documenting medical evidence, consumption timeline, and proof of purchase.

Related Articles:

• Pennsylvania Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Utah Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Attorney
• Virginia Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

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

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to assisting you during these challenging times. Please get in touch with us if the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one.

Our knowledgeable 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 we only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation and to discuss 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