Oklahoma Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

The lawsuit against Boar’s Head claims that the company failed to prevent listeria contamination in its products, leading to the outbreak in Oklahoma. The allegations focus on poor sanitation practices at their Oklahoma City facility, which contributed to the spreading of the bacteria. 

This article details the outbreak, ongoing legal actions, and the steps needed to file a claim. If you or a loved one has been impacted in Oklahoma, read on to learn how to pursue compensation.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Oklahoma, 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, which can be daunting. 

Specialized law firms like S&C, with their extensive experience in food safety law, assist victims through this intricate process in Oklahoma.

Here is how we can use our experience to help: 

• Evaluate claims covering both economic and non-economic damages under Oklahoma law.

• Offer free initial consultations to provide the best legal advice without upfront costs.

• Help clients understand Oklahoma’s statutes of limitations and maintain open communication for a transparent legal journey.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, initially reported on July 5, 2024, has grown significantly, with 25 cases across 9 states by September 10, 2024. In Oklahoma, multiple individuals are suing Boar’s Head following the outbreak. 

Federal health officials traced the outbreak strain to a smoked turkey sample from Boar’s Head Provisions in Oklahoma. 

They recalled over 2,500 tons of deli products produced between June 15 and August 25, 2024. The recalled items, including over 55 products, have led to deaths and hospitalizations in Oklahoma.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Government inspectors documented 69 instances of noncompliance with federal regulations at the Boar’s Head facility over the past year, including recent violations [1]. 

The infractions included mold growth, insect infestations, and improper ingredient handling. These findings, disclosed through federal Freedom of Information Act requests, raised concerns about the plant’s ongoing sanitation and safety problems.

Despite warnings, Boar’s Head failed to address these problems, leading to repeated sanitation issues. Condensation, which facilitated listeria growth, led to suspended inspections and a class action lawsuit filed in the District Court of Oklahoma County.

Also Read:

• New Mexico Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Nebraska Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Oklahoma?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Oklahoma include a wide range of deli meats, mainly smoked turkey, which tested positive for listeria. Over 200,000 pounds of products produced between June 15 and August 25, 2024, are affected [2].

Essential items in the recall involve deli meats such as turkey, ham, and beef. Consumers should check for “sell by” dates and USDA inspection marks to confirm if their products are part of the recall [3].

The health risks associated with contaminated Boar’s Head products are significant, leading to multiple illnesses and deaths across several states, particularly in Oklahoma.

Consumers should check for USDA inspection marks ‘EST. 19246’ or ‘P-19246’ on labels, including prepackaged deli products and those sliced at retail delis from the Oklahoma City facility.

Due to health safety concerns, the recall also affects ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under Boar’s Head in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium that can survive on surfaces and in ready-to-eat meat products. It often causes food poisoning outbreaks [4].

It spreads quickly among equipment, surfaces, food, and hands, thriving in soil, water, and animal feces. Refrigeration does not eliminate listeria bacteria in contaminated meats, making it a persistent threat to food safety.

Older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. The CDC tracks the illness, reports deaths and hospitalizations, and urges consumers to check for recalled products. Severe listeriosis is typically treated with antibiotics.

Listeria Symptoms

Symptoms of listeria infection can vary widely and may appear as soon as the same day or as long as 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

Common symptoms include [5]:

• Fever 

• Muscle aches 

• Gastrointestinal issues

Severe cases can lead to:

• Headaches

• Stiff neck 

• Confusion

• Loss of balance

• Convulsions

For pregnant women, the infection can result in mild symptoms but severe complications like miscarriage or stillbirth.

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

Anyone who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and suffered a severe illness linked to listeria can file a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Oklahoma. This includes those hospitalized due to listeriosis and families of deceased victims within the state.

Acting quickly is crucial because statute limitations apply, requiring claims to be filed within specific timeframes, typically two years in Oklahoma for personal injury cases.

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

Settlement amounts for listeria lawsuits in Oklahoma vary, influenced by the severity of illness and related damages. Generally, more severe cases involving hospitalization or long-term health impacts receive higher compensation.

Victims can seek compensation for economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Families may file wrongful death claims if a loved one dies due to listeria complications.

Legal claims can cover victims’ emotional distress, and some settlements account for long-term care needs resulting from listeria-related health issues, particularly considering Oklahoma’s healthcare system and long-term care facilities.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that legal action can take two main routes: individual lawsuits and class action lawsuits. Individual lawsuits offer tailored strategies and greater control, often leading to higher compensation as the payout is not divided among multiple plaintiffs.

Class action lawsuits can reduce costs and streamline the legal process by consolidating multiple claims into one case. However, filing eligibility is time-sensitive, dictated by Oklahoma’s statutes of limitations.

The legal proceedings aim to hold Boar’s Head Deli accountable for the health impacts caused by its contaminated deli meats, particularly those distributed from the Oklahoma City facility. 

Evidence from the Oklahoma State Department of Health strengthens the case. The lawsuit seeks compensation for victims affected by the outbreak, focusing on Oklahoma residents.

“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

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Oklahoma

Filing a lawsuit begins with a free case review to learn about legal options under Oklahoma law. Necessary evidence may include medical records from Oklahoma healthcare providers and purchase receipts linking illness to the contaminated products bought in Oklahoma.

Most cases are settled, though some may go to court if an agreement cannot be reached. Oklahoma courts have specific procedures for handling such cases.

Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning claimants are not charged upfront fees. This is particularly beneficial for Oklahoma residents affected by the outbreak.

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

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

Our skilled team specializes in foodborne illness cases in Oklahoma and will guide you through the legal process.

We will help you understand your rights under Oklahoma law 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 explore your legal options in Oklahoma.

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.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co–expands-recall-ready-eat-meat-and-poultry-products-due

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/

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