Rhode Island Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Lawyer

In Rhode Island, a legal battle has erupted against Boar’s Head, with plaintiffs alleging the company’s negligence led to a listeria outbreak. The lawsuit contends that Boar’s Head failed to uphold proper sanitation standards at their Rhode Island facility, directly contributing to the contamination of their products.

This comprehensive guide explores the outbreak’s details, ongoing legal actions, and the claim filing process. If you’ve been impacted by this health crisis, read on to understand your options.

For Rhode Island residents affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers expert legal assistance. Our firm’s strong track record in plaintiff representation ensures we’re well-equipped to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by leveraging its extensive food safety law expertise to guide victims through this intricate process.

Here’s how our experienced team can assist:

• We conduct thorough evaluations of claims, covering both economic and non-economic damages.

• Our firm offers complimentary initial consultations, providing top-tier legal advice without upfront costs.

• We help clients navigate Rhode Island’s specific statutes of limitations and maintain transparent communication throughout the legal journey.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

As of September 2024, the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has resulted in nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations across 18 states. The outbreak has been linked to deli meats produced at the company’s Virginia facility, where severe violations of food safety protocols were uncovered. 

Federal health officials identified Listeria monocytogenes in various Boar’s Head products, prompting a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including turkey, ham, and beef items.

The recall affected more than 40 packaged items distributed throughout Rhode Island, significantly impacting local consumers. The contaminated Boar’s Head deli meat has resulted in severe health consequences, including hospitalizations and, tragically, two fatalities within the state.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Boar’s Head faces serious scrutiny following the listeria outbreak linked to its Virginia facility, where numerous food safety violations were uncovered. 

Federal inspectors reported 69 instances of noncompliance over the past year, including mold growth, insect infestations, and unsanitary conditions such as blood on the floor [1]. 

Despite repeated warnings, the facility failed to address these issues, which contributed to the contamination of deli meats with Listeria monocytogenes. These violations led to a nationwide recall of over 7 million pounds of deli products and have prompted multiple lawsuits from those affected by the outbreak.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Rhode Island?

The Boar’s Head products recalled in Rhode Island include turkey breast, ham, roast beef, and various cold cuts produced between June 1 and August 10, 2024. These products have sell-by dates ranging from July 15 to September 24, 2024 [2].

The health risks associated with these contaminated Boar’s Head products are significant, having caused multiple illnesses and deaths across Rhode Island.

Consumers should check for USDA inspection marks ‘EST. 15770’ or ‘P-15770’ on labels, including both prepackaged deli items and those sliced at retail delis sourced from the Rhode Island facility.

Given the severity of the health concerns, the recall encompasses all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand in Rhode Island during the specified period.

Also Read: Oregon Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium capable of surviving in various environments, including ready-to-eat meat products. It’s a frequent culprit in food poisoning outbreaks, particularly dangerous due to its ability to thrive at refrigeration temperatures [3].

This pathogen can spread rapidly among food processing equipment, surfaces, and handlers. It’s known to persist in soil, water, and animal feces, making contamination prevention challenging in food production environments.

Particularly vulnerable groups include older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The Rhode Island Department of Health is closely monitoring the situation, reporting on cases and urging consumers to be vigilant about recalled products. Severe listeriosis typically requires intensive antibiotic treatment.

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria infection symptoms can vary widely and may appear anywhere from 24 hours to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.

Common symptoms include [4]:

• Persistent fever

• Severe headache

• Neck stiffness

• Muscle pain

• Gastrointestinal distress

In severe cases, complications may include:

• Confusion

• Loss of balance

• Convulsions

• Meningitis

• Septicemia

Pregnant women may experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

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

Rhode Island residents who have consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently suffered a listeria-related illness can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Rhode Island. This includes individuals who required hospitalization due to listeriosis and families who have lost loved ones to the infection.

It’s crucial to act promptly, as Rhode Island’s statute of limitations sets a three-year timeframe for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Rhode Island

Settlement amounts in listeria lawsuits can vary significantly, influenced by factors such as illness severity and associated damages. In Rhode Island, more severe cases involving extended hospitalization or long-term health impacts tend to receive higher compensation.

Victims may seek compensation for economic damages, including medical expenses and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In cases of fatality, families may file wrongful death claims, which in Rhode Island, must be brought within three years of the date of death.

Legal claims can also cover victims’ emotional distress, and some settlements may account for long-term care needs resulting from listeria-related health complications.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Rhode Island involves ongoing lawsuits and expanded product recalls due to contaminated deli meats. 

These recalls stem from violations of food safety standards, which have led to hospitalizations and fatalities. 

Rhode Island health officials have issued warnings, especially for high-risk groups like pregnant women and the elderly, advising them to avoid affected products. Investigations continue as federal and state agencies work to ensure the safety of the food supply​.

“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 Rhode Island

Initiating a lawsuit begins with a complimentary case review to explore your legal options. Essential evidence may include medical records and purchase receipts linking the illness to contaminated products bought in Rhode Island.

While most cases are resolved through settlements, some may proceed to trial in Rhode Island courts if an agreement cannot be reached.

Typically, lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning claimants are not required to pay upfront fees. 

Get Your Free Consultation From Rhode Island Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark,LLP is committed to supporting you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our experienced team specializes in cases involving foodborne illnesses and will assist you throughout the legal process.

We will help you understand your rights and determine 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 thorough 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://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