Massachusetts Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Massachusetts Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit Overview

The Boar’s Head Listeria lawsuit centers on a multistate outbreak linked to contaminated ready-to-eat deli meats produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia facility.

Allegations focus on Boar’s Head’s failure to maintain adequate food safety protocols, which led to widespread contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed: 59 reported illnesses, 10 deaths, and cases across 19 states, including Massachusetts

Investigations by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the FDA confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in multiple Boar’s Head deli meat products.

Latest Massachusetts Boar’s Head Lawsuit Updates

• January 1, 2025 – A class action lawsuit against Boar’s Head is underway, with consumers seeking compensation for health damages tied to Listeria-contaminated deli meats [1].
• November 22, 2024 – The FDA confirmed the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has ended, but lawsuits from affected consumers are likely to continue as investigations into the source and scope of contamination unfold.
• October 25, 2024 – A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Boar’s Head by the family of a woman who died from Listeria infection linked to their deli meat products.
• September 6, 2024 – Boar’s Head is facing mounting lawsuits after their deli meats were recalled due to Listeria contamination, with victims alleging negligence and demanding compensation.

FDA, CDC, and USDA Reports

The CDC, with FDA support, reported 59 Listeria monocytogenes infections across 19 states linked to Boar’s Head deli meats as of September 23, 2024, rising to 61 by November 20, with 10 confirmed deaths.

The USDA FSIS classified the associated recalls as Class I, indicating a high health risk. According to CDC estimates, approximately 1,600 people in the U.S. contract listeriosis annually, with about 260 deaths, based on national surveillance data.

Massachusetts reported Listeria cases linked to this outbreak, with hospitalizations, but no deaths are specifically attributed to the state in CDC data; the 10 confirmed deaths occurred across eight other states.

Boar’s Head Injuries & Side Effects

Listeria infection from contaminated Boar’s Head products can cause a range of serious health complications, with severity depending on individual risk factors.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain that can persist for days or weeks
• Neurological Complications: Meningitis, encephalitis, and other central nervous system infections that may cause permanent damage
• Pregnancy Complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and life-threatening infection in newborns
• Systemic Infection: Septicemia, organ failure, and death in severe cases, particularly among vulnerable populations

Do You Qualify for a Boar’s Head Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Boar’s Head lawsuit if:

• You consumed Boar’s Head products between May 2024 and September 2024
• You experienced serious side effects including fever, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or gastrointestinal symptoms
• Your illness required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to Listeria infection
• You purchased Boar’s Head products in Massachusetts that were later subject to recall

Evidence Required for a Boar’s Head Lawsuit

To strengthen your claim, you’ll need to provide the following documentation:

• Medical records confirming a Listeria diagnosis
• Receipts or proof of purchase for Boar’s Head products
• Documentation of any related hospitalizations or treatments
• Evidence showing the products you consumed were part of the recalled batch

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak may be eligible to recover various damages, including:

• Medical expenses for treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care
• Lost wages due to inability to work during recovery
• Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Punitive damages in cases where gross negligence can be proven
• Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones

Boar’s Head Recall Information

• Recalled Products: The recall primarily involves Boar’s Head ready-to-eat liverwurst products, as well as other deli meats produced at the Jarratt, Virginia facility. These include liverwurst, bologna, garlic bologna, beef bologna, beef salami, Italian Cappy-style ham, Extra Hot Italian Cappy-style ham, and Steakhouse Roasted Bacon Heat and Eat.
• Production Dates: The recalled liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024. Other deli meats were produced on June 27, 2024.
• Sell-by Dates: The sell-by dates for the liverwurst products range from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024. Other deli meats have sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024 [2].
• USDA Inspection Marks: The recalled products bear the USDA inspection marks “EST. 12612” or “P-12612,” not “EST. 17852” or “P-17852

Statute of Limitations for Massachusetts Boar’s Head Lawsuits

In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for filing a Boar’s Head Listeria lawsuit is three years from the date of injury or discovery of illness.

This means victims must take legal action within this timeframe or risk losing their right to seek compensation. For wrongful death claims related to the outbreak, families must file within three years of the date of death.

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your claim is filed within these legal deadlines.

The specific timeline may vary depending on individual circumstances, making prompt legal guidance essential.

Related Article: Maine Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

FAQs

1. 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 [3].

2. What are the symptoms of Listeria infection?

Listeria infection symptoms can manifest diversely and may surface anywhere from 24 hours to 70 days post-consumption of contaminated food. Common symptoms include persistent fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, muscle discomfort, and acute gastrointestinal distress [4].

3. How much compensation can I receive from a Boar’s Head lawsuit?

Settlement amounts vary based on illness severity, hospitalization duration, and long-term health impacts. Cases involving significant medical treatment or permanent health effects typically result in higher compensation. Each case is evaluated individually based on specific damages incurred.

4. What is the current legal status of Boar’s Head lawsuits?

Currently, there are 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 Massachusetts Superior Court consolidates multiple claims into a single case.

5. How long will a Boar’s Head lawsuit take to resolve?

The timeline for resolution varies by case complexity. While some claims may settle within 6-12 months, others involving severe injuries or disputes over liability could take 1-2 years or longer to resolve fully.

6. Do I need to pay upfront legal fees to file a claim?

No. Most attorneys handling these cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Legal fees are collected only if your case results in compensation through settlement or verdict.

7. What types of Boar’s Head products were affected by the recall?

The recall includes various deli meats like ham, turkey, roast beef, and liverwurst. Both pre-packaged products and deli counter items are affected, particularly those with certain production dates and USDA inspection marks.

Get A Free Massachusetts Boar’s Head Listeria Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action against Boar’s Head for Listeria-related illnesses. Massachusetts law only allows three years from the date of injury to file your claim. Waiting too long could permanently forfeit your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Expert guidance throughout the entire legal process

Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve for your suffering. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.

References:

1. https://lawsuitlegalnews.com/boars-head-listeria-recall-class-action-lawsuit/ 
2. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co–recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products 
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/ 
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269