Missouri Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

Boar’s Head is facing multiple lawsuits after one of the most significant listeria outbreaks in recent U.S. history, linked to contaminated deli meats from their Virginia facility. 

The company is accused of negligence for failing to maintain a listeria-free environment, leading to severe illnesses and deaths across 18 states. Affected individuals are filing legal claims seeking compensation for medical costs, suffering, and wrongful death. This article covers outbreak details, legal actions, and claim filing steps.

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 navigating the complexities of legal claims after a listeria infection.

S&C assists with:

• Evaluating economic and non-economic damage claims

• Offering free initial consultations

• Guiding clients through legal timelines and maintaining clear communication

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has recently led to the closure of its Virginia plant, where production issues were linked to the deadly outbreak. 

As of September 2024, at least nine people have died, and over 50 others have been hospitalized across 18 states. The outbreak was traced back to the production of liverwurst at the Jarratt, Virginia facility, which has since been permanently closed.

Boar’s Head has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats and other products and discontinued the production of liverwurst.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak exposed significant violations of food safety regulations at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia plant. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked the outbreak, which caused nine deaths and hospitalized over 50 people across 18 states, to production lapses at the facility. 

Key violations include [1]:

1. Sanitation Issues: Government inspections revealed persistent problems, including mold, insect presence, and liquid dripping from ceilings. Additionally, meat and fat residue were found on walls, floors, and equipment.​

2. Inadequate Safety Practices: The plant’s production process failed to meet good manufacturing practices designed to prevent contamination like the listeria outbreak. These failures are highlighted by ongoing noncompliance reports, with 69 instances documented in the previous year​.

3. Refrigeration & Contamination: Listeria, a hardy bacteria that thrives in cold environments, was found in an unopened Boar’s Head liverwurst product. This contamination spread through the plant’s production line, prompting the recall of over 7 million pounds of meat.

Boar’s Head has since closed the Jarratt plant and discontinued liverwurst production. The company is enhancing its food safety measures, including establishing a new safety council.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Missouri?

The Boar’s Head product that are recalled in Missouri involves various deli meats produced at the company’s Jarratt, Virginia facility due to potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. 

The recalled items include a wide range of ham products, bologna, sausages, liverwurst, and frankfurters. 

Specifically, the affected products include [2]:

• Virginia Ham

• Sweet Slice Ham

• Tavern Ham

• All Natural Applewood Ham

• Bourbon Ridge Ham

• Liverwurst

• Pork and Beef Bologna

• Beef Salami

• Uncured Frankfurters

• Bratwurst All Natural Chicken Sausage

These products were sold at various retailers, including Schnuck stores, and customers are advised to return them for a full refund if purchased before July 31, 2024

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause listeriosis, a severe infection primarily contracted through contaminated food [3].

It is hazardous because it can survive and thrive in cold environments, such as refrigerators, making it a persistent contaminant in foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized products.​

“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.”- U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria is a foodborne bacteria commonly found in contaminated foods such as deli meats, unpasteurized dairy, and soft cheeses. It poses the most significant risk to certain vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. 

For these people, the infection can lead to severe complications, such as meningitis, septicemia, or life-threatening infections in newborns.

If exposed to Listeria, symptoms may range from mild to severe. They include [4]:

• Mild: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea.

• Severe: Headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 1 to 70 days after consuming contaminated food, making early detection and medical treatment essential, especially for those at higher risk

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

Anyone in Missouri who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and suffered a severe listeria-related illness can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Missouri. This includes those hospitalized and families of deceased victims. Act quickly, as Missouri’s statute of limitations sets specific timeframes for filing claims.

“In interviews with sick people, 23 of 24 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating deli sliced liverwurst, with seven of those reporting Boar’s Head brand.”- U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has led to multiple lawsuits, including cases filed in Missouri. The outbreak affected people in over 18 states, including Missouri. 

Victims who consumed contaminated deli meats and products, such as liverwurst, ham, and sausages, are seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.

While exact settlement amounts can vary depending on the severity of the illness and specific legal circumstances, previous listeria-related lawsuits have resulted in settlements ranging from tens of thousands to over a million dollars for cases involving severe illness or death. 

The ongoing litigation against Boar’s Head in Missouri may follow a similar pattern, especially given the number of hospitalizations and fatalities linked to the outbreak​.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that individuals affected by contaminated deli meats filed several lawsuits. One notable case involves a Missouri couple who consumed liverwurst, resulting in severe illness requiring hospitalization and rehabilitation. 

Like others, this lawsuit is based on claims of negligence and unsafe food handling practices at Boar’s Head’s production facility in Virginia, which has since been closed. Boar’s Head has recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meat products and is facing lawsuits in Missouri and across the U.S. for negligence and failure to ensure food safety. 

Settlements are likely to range based on the severity of illnesses, with some cases possibly exceeding hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, especially in cases involving fatalities​.

Legal proceedings are still ongoing, with the potential for more lawsuits to be filed as the investigation continues.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Missouri

Start with a free case review to understand your options under Missouri law. Gather evidence, including medical records and purchase receipts.

Most cases settle, but some may go to trial. Missouri courts have specific procedures for these cases. Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, charging fees only if they win the case.

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

Schmidt & Clark,LLP is here to support you during this challenging time. Contact us today if the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one. 

Our legal team specializes in handling foodborne illness cases and will guide you through every step of the process. 

We’ll help you understand your rights and determine if you’re eligible for compensation related to the outbreak. We offer free consultations, and you only pay if we secure a win for your case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation 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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/

3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269

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