Minnesota Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

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Collen Clark Published by Collen Clark

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has caused nine deaths and numerous hospitalizations. Production at Boar’s Head’s Virginia facility has been halted due to safety violations.

This incident underscores the critical need to scrutinize agriculture’s food safety practices, particularly in light of severe health violations in food processing plants. This article covers the details of the outbreak, the lawsuits filed, and how to seek justice and compensation.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to assist. With a strong track record in representing plaintiffs, our primary focus 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 the support you need to handle a foodborne illness case, which can be daunting. An experienced attorney can protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve if the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has impacted you.

Here’s how we can help:

  • Provide expert legal support to establish liability and causation.
  • Offer free consultations to evaluate your potential claims.
  • Ensure you understand your options upfront without any financial commitment.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has been a significant public health concern, with nine deaths linked to the contaminated products and numerous others hospitalized.

The outbreak has prompted Boar’s Head to halt production at its Virginia facility until it meets strict safety regulations and standards.

The contaminated Boar’s Head deli meats were produced under alarming conditions, including mold, mildew, and insects, raising serious questions about the company’s adherence to food safety protocols.

Authorities suggest the number of infected individuals may be higher than reported, indicating broader public health implications.

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Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Virginia’s Boar’s Head facility recorded 69 instances of noncompliance with federal food safety regulations within a year, specifically related to Boar’s Head deli meat. These violations included mold, insects, and unsanitary conditions, highlighting severe lapses in hygiene practices [1].

Despite multiple corrective actions by Boar’s Head in response to inspection findings, repeated violations raised concerns about the company’s ability to maintain adequate sanitation.

The plant was linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, resulting in at least nine fatalities and approximately 50 hospitalizations across 18 states. Authorities suspended inspections at the facility, which will remain closed until it can ensure the production of safe food products.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Minnesota?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Minnesota are more than 3,600 tons of various items due to listeria contamination. The initial recall on July 25, 2024, included Strassburger Brand Liverwurst, prompted by a positive listeria test [2].

The recall was expanded on July 29, 2024, to include all Boar’s Head ready-to-eat meat made at the Jarratt, Virginia facility. This resulted in 57 hospitalizations across 18 states.

All deli meat products currently available in stores are not part of the recall as they are produced at different facilities. Minnesota consumers should be aware of the specific recalled products to avoid potential listeria exposure.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a dangerous bacterium often found in damp environments. It can survive and thrive even in refrigeration. This bacterium spreads through contaminated food during various stages of harvesting, processing, or storage [3].

Listeriosis, the disease caused by L. monocytogenes, can lead to severe health complications, especially in vulnerable populations.

Understanding listeria helps grasp the severity of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak. The following subsection details the symptoms of listeria infection, aiding in recognition if you or someone you know might be affected.

Listeria Symptoms

Common symptoms of listeria infection include [4]:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Tiredness

These can appear a few days after consuming contaminated food. For some individuals, it may take three days to three months for the following symptoms to surface:

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions

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

Individuals who consumed contaminated Boar’s Head products, specifically the company’s deli meat sold, and suffered serious illnesses, required hospitalization, or if a loved one died due to listeria infection, can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Minnesota.

Those who have consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently developed severe health issues can also file a lawsuit.

“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

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

In a recent lawsuit linked to the outbreak, plaintiffs suing Boar’s Head seek $25,000 in damages for medical expenses and suffering. These lawsuits often claim damages related to medical treatment costs, physical pain, mental suffering, and loss of quality of life due to listeria infection.

Settlements in similar foodborne illness cases often consider these factors, providing compensation for the significant impact on victims’ lives. Knowing the potential financial compensation can help victims and their families make informed decisions about pursuing legal action.

The current legal status is that a wrongful death lawsuit has been filed in Florida against Boar’s Head by a family following the death of an 88-year-old linked to the listeria outbreak. As of now, the CDC reports that 57 individuals across 18 states have fallen ill due to the outbreak, with a total of nine fatalities.

Documents reveal that Virginia’s Boar’s Head plant has faced numerous violations of federal safety regulations, including unsanitary conditions. Boar’s Head has removed all recalled boar’s head deli meats from stores across the U.S. and internationally. Additionally, Boar’s Head meats were included in the recall.

Despite multiple compliance failures, the USDA has not reported any enforcement actions against Boar’s Head in recent months. This highlights the ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny surrounding the outbreak.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Minnesota

Victims of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak may seek legal recourse by filing a lawsuit if they suffered health consequences after consuming recalled products. At least seven lawsuits have been initiated against Boar’s Head in connection with the outbreak.

Legal assistance helps individuals understand their rights and pursue compensation for medical expenses and other damages related to foodborne illnesses. Acting quickly is crucial due to varying statutes of limitations.

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

Schmidt & Clark, LLP,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 don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

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.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/pmc/articles/PMC9075182/
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269

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