Texas Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Attorney

Quick Summary

• The lawsuit against Boar’s Head alleges that they failed to ensure that their products were free from listeria, directly causing the outbreak. Key allegations include not maintaining sanitary conditions in their production facility, contributing to contamination.
• This article covers the outbreak details, ongoing legal actions, and steps for filing a claim. Read on to see how to seek compensation if you have been impacted.
• 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, which can be daunting. Specialized law firms like S&C, with their extensive experience in food safety law, assist victims through this intricate process.

Here is how we can use our experience to help:

• Evaluate claims covering both economic and non-economic damages.
• Offer free initial consultations to provide the best legal advice without upfront costs.
• Help clients understand 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, first reported on May 29, 2024, has rapidly escalated, with 34 reported cases across 13 states as of July 30, 2024. The Associated Press has reported on several individuals suing Boar’s Head following the listeria outbreak [1].

Federal health officials identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes after testing a liverwurst sample collected from Boar’s Head provisions.

This discovery led to a massive recall of more than 3,600 tons of Boar’s Head deli products produced between May 10 and July 29, 2024. Boar’s Head liverwurst tested positive for listeria, resulting in a product recall across multiple states.

The recalled products, including over 71 packaged items, were distributed nationwide, significantly impacting consumers. The recall of Boar’s Head Deli meat has resulted in severe health consequences, including deaths and hospitalizations.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to US News, the listeria outbreak was caused by severe food safety violations at a Boar’s Head facility in Virginia. The plant breached federal rules 69 times a year, with mold, insects, and blood on the floor [2].

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.

The outbreak resulted in at least nine deaths and around 50 hospitalizations across 18 states.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Texas?

Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Texas include liverwurst, bologna, and roast beef made between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, with sell-by dates from July 25, 2024, to August 30, 2024 [3].

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

Consumers should check for USDA inspection marks’ EST. 12612′ or ‘P-12612’ on labels, including prepackaged deli products and those sliced at retail delis from the Virginia facility.

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

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.

According to Mayo Clinic, 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 Texas?

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 Texas. This includes those hospitalized due to listeriosis and families of deceased victims.

Acting quickly is crucial because statute limitations apply, requiring claims to be filed within specific timeframes, sometimes as short as one year.

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

Settlement amounts for listeria lawsuits 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.

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 statutes of limitations.

The legal proceedings aim to hold Boar’s Head Deli accountable for the health impacts caused by its contaminated deli meats. Evidence from health officials strengthens the case. The lawsuit seeks compensation for victims affected by the outbreak.

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 – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Texas

Filing a lawsuit begins with a free case review to learn about legal options. Necessary evidence may include medical records and purchase receipts linking illness to the contaminated products.

Most cases are settled, though some may go to court if an agreement cannot be reached. Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning claimants are not charged upfront fees.

Related Articles:

• Tennessee Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• Smiling Hara Soybean Tempeh Recall
• Meijer Egg Recall Lawsuit

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

Get Your Free Consultation From Texas 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, please get in touch with us.

Our skilled 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 and only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation and to explore your legal options.

Reference:

1. https://apnews.com/article/boars-head-listeria-recall-fcde06b66dca38d53361c92495a7cfed
2. https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2024-08-29/boars-head-plant-linked-to-deadly-outbreak-broke-food-safety-rules-dozens-of-times-records-show
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