South Carolina Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• The South Carolina Boar’s Head listeria outbreak lawsuit has arisen due to the severe health issues and several fatalities resulting from the Boar’s Head recall, which have sparked many lawsuits.
• This article explains the deadly listeria outbreak, whether a lawsuit can be filed, and the steps to seek legal compensation.
• If you or someone you know has been impacted by the Boar’s Head Provisions Co listeria outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to help. With a proven history of representing plaintiffs, we aim to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by handling the consequences of a listeria outbreak, particularly the severe health impacts of consuming Boar’s Head products.

Our team at S&C specializes in assisting victims of foodborne illnesses to obtain compensation.

Here’s how we can assist you with your claim:

• Our skilled attorneys collaborate with healthcare providers to address all your medical needs while advocating for your rights in court.
• We manage everything from collecting evidence to filing claims so you can focus on recovery.
• We aim to obtain compensation beyond medical bills, ensuring justice and preventing future negligence.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The listeria outbreak connected to Boar’s Head products surfaced with the first reported case on May 29, 2024. The CDC’s investigation into listeria contamination, initiated in July 2024, revealed a widespread problem affecting multiple states.

According to CDC, so far, 57 hospitalizations and cases have been reported across 13 states, although the number is likely higher due to unreported cases [1].

Two deaths have been confirmed in South Carolina, adding to the nine fatalities nationwide. The outbreak strain was discovered in liverwurst, leading to a significant recall of Boar’s Head products.

Despite the recall and disease control measures, new cases emerge, suggesting the contamination might be more widespread than initially believed.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to the Food Institute, Virginia’s boar’s head plant has been at the center of this outbreak, plagued by numerous food safety violations. Over the past year, the facility has had 69 documented instances of noncompliance, revealing serious sanitation issues such as mold, insects, and meat residue on surfaces [2].

These ongoing issues led to suspending inspections at the plant, but only after significant damage had occurred.

The plant’s inability to maintain safe operating conditions has raised significant concerns among food safety experts.

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

The Boar’s Head products that are recalled in South Carolina are sliced deli liverwurst, bolognas, poultry products, smoked hams, and other ready-to-eat meat products [3].

These 71 recalled Boar’s Head products amount to over 3,600 tons of ready-to-eat products. If you possess any recalled items, stop consuming them immediately and follow the safe return or disposal guidelines.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH, listeria monocytogenes is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for listeriosis, a severe foodborne illness. Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can thrive in cold environments, including refrigerators, making it particularly concerning for food safety [4].

It is commonly found in contaminated soil, water, and animal feces, which can then enter food products.

Knowing how Listeria functions is critical to preventing infections. This bacterium can contaminate various foods, but it poses the most significant risk in ready-to-eat products, where it can survive and multiply even in refrigeration.

This trait is a persistent threat to food production facilities and a major public health concern. The importance of agriculture’s food safety is underscored by recent recalls of deli meats and poultry due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, highlighting the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service in monitoring and responding to such issues.

Listeria Symptoms

According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of listeria infection can vary but commonly include [5]:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Tiredness

In more severe cases, individuals may experience:

• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Seizures

Pregnant individuals, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious complications.

Severe listeriosis can result in meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord, and in pregnant women, it may cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Symptoms can appear from a few days to 10 weeks after exposure, complicating the identification of the infection source quickly. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preventing these severe outcomes.

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

Individuals who consumed a recalled Boar’s Head deli meat product developed severe health issues due to listeriosis after eating a Boar’s Head product can file a Boar’s Head meat recall lawsuit in South Carolina.

Family members of individuals who died from listeriosis linked to consuming Boar’s Head products can file a lawsuit.

Thirty-four people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from 13 states. Thirty-three people have been hospitalized and two deaths have been reported, one from Illinois and one from New Jersey – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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

Victims of the listeria outbreak, particularly those affected by the contaminated deli meats from Boar’s Head Provisions, can seek compensation for various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The severity of the illness and the impact on the victim’s life are critical factors in determining the settlement amount.

Legal fees for these cases are often structured as contingency fees, meaning you only pay if you win the case. This arrangement can provide peace of mind, knowing that your legal team is motivated to secure the best possible outcome for you.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that many lawsuits are being filed against Boar’s Head by individuals who fell ill after consuming Boar’s Head products during the listeria outbreak.

As of August 2024, there have been at least nine fatalities and 57 confirmed illnesses linked to the outbreak.

Legal actions include claims from victims who suffered severe health consequences, such as hospitalization and pregnancy complications due to listeria infection.

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

Filing a lawsuit involves completing necessary court paperwork and formally notifying the defendant, typically through a process server.

Your lawsuit must be filed in a court with jurisdiction over the matter, usually where you or the defendant reside. This is particularly important in cases involving recalled deli meats, where health risks and consumer safety measures are critical factors.

If the case goes to trial, the plaintiff must prove their claims. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate these legal complexities and effectively present your case.

Related Articles:

• Illinois Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Arkansas Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Attorney
• Louisiana Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From South Carolina Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to support you during these trying times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, which includes various poultry products sold, please contact us.

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

We will help you understand your rights and evaluate 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 detailed assessment of your situation and to explore your legal options.

Reference:

1. https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/details-delimeats-7-24.html
2. https://foodinstitute.com/focus/boars-head-recall-exposes-gaps-in-food-safety-standards/
3. https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
5. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269