North Carolina Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• The North Carolina Boars Head listeria outbreak has triggered a wave of lawsuits as victims pursue justice and compensation for their suffering. Agriculture department officials reported numerous violations of food safety regulations at the Boar’s Head plant, highlighting concerning conditions that contributed to the health crisis.
• This article explores the specifics of the deadly food poisoning outbreak, the legal actions taken, and offers guidance on how affected individuals can pursue their claims.
• 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 proven track record of representing plaintiffs, we aim 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 handling legal matters after a foodborne illness. Although this can be challenging, having experienced legal representation can significantly impact your case.

S&C’s seasoned attorneys specialize in:

• Gather crucial evidence and documentation.
• Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.
• Offer free consultations to assess your case’s merits.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli products and the Boar’s Head plant has been a significant public health crisis, affecting at least 57 individuals across 18 states and resulting in nine fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have actively monitored and controlled the spread of this deadly outbreak, which has underscored the severe health risks of contaminated food, especially for vulnerable populations.

The recall of Boar’s Head products has highlighted the health implications of consuming contaminated deli meats.

Numerous legal actions have been initiated in response to this crisis, including a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Florida. The legal community is actively working to hold Boar’s Head accountable for the violations of federal rules at its facility that led to this outbreak.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to INC, the Boar’s Head plant linked to this outbreak faced numerous food safety violations. Inspectors found issues like discolored meat buildup, foul odors, fat residue, pest infestations, mold, and unsanitary conditions, promoting the growth of Listeria monocytogenes [1].

The first case was reported on May 29, 2024, and the last on August 16, 2024. Identifying an outbreak-related illness typically takes three to four weeks.

Negligence in food safety at Boar’s Head led to severe health issues and fatalities, highlighting the need for strict adherence to food safety regulations.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in North Carolina?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in North Carolina include liverwurst, which started the recall in July 2024 [2].

Initially targeting this specific liverwurst product, the Boar’s Head recall expanded as the investigation progressed to encompass a broader range of deli meats and ready-to-eat meat products, explicitly highlighting the significant listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meat.

Other contaminated Boar’s Head products include:

• Turkey breast
• Ham
• Roast beef
• Salami

This expansion was crucial to prevent additional listeria infections and safeguard public health. The recall involves 71 specific meat and poultry products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium posing significant health risks, mainly because it grows at refrigerator temperatures and thrives in moist environments such as soil and decaying vegetation [3].

This bacterium can contaminate food during harvesting, processing, or storage. The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has spotlighted this pathogen due to its severe impact on public health.

This outbreak linked to Boar’s Head Deli meats has caused at least nine deaths and numerous hospitalizations, highlighting multiple food safety violations at a Virginia plant.

Once ingested, Listeria monocytogenes can cause a listeria infection with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The bacterium’s ability to survive and multiply in refrigerated foods makes it particularly dangerous, as it can go unnoticed until it causes illness.

Listeria Symptoms

According to Mayo Clinic, individuals infected with Listeria may experience symptoms such as [4]:

• fever
• muscle aches
• nausea
• diarrhea

These symptoms typically appear within one to four weeks after exposure. The severity can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe conditions like meningitis or septicemia, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Prompt medical attention is crucial for those who suspect exposure, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent severe complications.

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 – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

Individuals hospitalized or suffering severe health issues due to a Listeria infection linked to Boar’s Head Deli meat products can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in North Carolina.

Families who have lost a loved one to this outbreak are also eligible to pursue legal action. Due to statutes of limitations, filing a lawsuit promptly is essential. Consulting experienced food poisoning lawyers can guide you on eligibility and potential compensation.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in North Carolina

Settlements vary widely based on illness severity, medical expenses, and impact on quality of life. They can range from tens of thousands to several million dollars, especially in severe cases or fatalities.

Factors influencing compensation include:

• Medical costs, including hospital stays, ongoing treatment, and rehabilitation.
• Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship.
• In wrongful death cases, compensation may cover funeral expenses and loss of future income.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that several legal actions are underway in response to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak. One notable case is a wrongful death lawsuit filed in Florida by the family of an 88-year-old victim who died after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst linked to the outbreak.

This lawsuit underscores the tragic and preventable nature of the incident, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice.

The plaintiff’s family has described the incident as a senseless tragedy that should never have occurred. This case, along with others, highlights the ongoing legal battles facing Boar’s Head and serves as a critical reminder of the importance of food safety regulations and the severe consequences of their violation.

Legal proceedings will continue, and affected families are encouraged to seek legal counsel to explore options for compensation and justice.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in North Carolina

Key steps involve filing a lawsuit against Boar’s Head for a listeria infection. First, gather evidence such as medical records and purchase receipts.

Next, consult with a specialized food safety law firm. Many offer free consultations to evaluate your claim and guide you through the legal process.

Related Articles:

• Pennsylvania 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 North Carolina Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to providing support during these challenging times. Please contact us if the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one.

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 of charge, and we only collect 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