Virginia Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit (2024 Update)

Quick Summary

• The Virginia Boars Head Listeria outbreak lawsuit has led to numerous wrongful death lawsuits and severe illness claims. This outbreak, linked to contaminated Boar’s Head Deli meat such as liverwurst, is one of the largest of its kind, resulting in at least nine deaths and around 50 hospitalizations across 18 states.
• This article will answer your questions about who can file a lawsuit, the current legal status, and what kind of compensation victims might expect.
• 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 aftermath of a listeria outbreak with expert legal guidance.

S&C Law Firm specializes in:

• Representing victims of foodborne illnesses, providing the expertise needed to navigate these complex cases.
• Understanding the emotional and financial toll, they are committed to securing fair compensation for victims.
• Offering comprehensive support, from the initial consultation to the final settlement, ensuring timely filing of all legal documents.

Moreover, S&C operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients only pay if they win their case.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has led to at least nine deaths and about 50 hospitalizations in 18 states. This tragic event has triggered significant legal and regulatory actions, including a recall of over 7 million pounds of Boar’s Head products.

Investigations identified a Virginia processing facility as the source, revealing numerous food safety violations.

The outbreak’s impact is extensive. Health officials have increased scrutiny of Boar’s Head’s operations, finding persistent mold, mildew, and insect problems at the Virginia facility.

These findings forced Boar’s Head to recall contaminated products and raised serious concerns about the company’s commitment to food safety.

Families of victims, like the Morgensteins who lost Gunter Morgenstein to contaminated liverwurst, are seeking justice through wrongful death claims. These stories highlight the human cost of the outbreak and the need to hold Boar’s Head accountable for safety lapses.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

According to the Week, Boar’s Head’s Virginia facility has been found in violation of federal food safety regulations a staggering 69 times in one year [1].

The violations included severe sanitation issues such as mold, insects, and even blood on the floor. These unsanitary conditions create an environment where listeria bacteria can thrive, posing a significant health risk to consumers.

Despite corrective actions, the persistence of these violations suggests ongoing struggles in maintaining a safe food processing environment. The U.S. Agriculture Department has had to suspend plant inspections until it meets the required safety standards.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Virginia?

According to INC, Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Virginia are primarily items produced at the Jarratt facility. These recalled products include liverwurst and other deli meats contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Mold and insects at the facility contributed to the contamination, raising significant safety concerns [2].

The boar’s head recall scope is vast, involving over 7 million pounds of products. This recall was initiated on July 25, 2024, and affects various products produced at the Jarratt, Virginia facility due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

According to NIH 2023 research, Listeria Monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe infections, particularly in pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. Listeria can lead to listeriosis, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to serious complications like meningitis and sepsis [3].

Listeria infections are hazardous due to high hospitalization rates and severe cases requiring extensive medical treatment. Understanding the nature of listeria and its health impacts is crucial for recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely medical intervention.

Listeria Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of listeria infection is crucial for seeking timely medical intervention.

According to Mayo Clinic 2023 study, here are the common symptoms [4]:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea

For individuals with weakened immune systems, the symptoms can be more severe, including:

• Headaches
• Convulsions
• Loss of balance
• Stiff neck

Immediate medical consultation is crucial for those exhibiting symptoms, especially high-risk individuals like the elderly or pregnant women. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve recovery outcomes and prevent serious health complications, aiding in disease control.

Listeria causes severe infection in the elderly, neonates and the immunocompromised with only a self-limited gastrointestinal infection in the immunocompetent – Denver Rogalla, Emergency Medicine Resident Physician- PGY 3- Grand Strand Medical Center

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

Individuals who consumed recalled Boar’s Head meats and experienced severe illness or hospitalization due to Listeria infection can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Virginia.

Additionally, family members of those who died from listeria infections linked to Boar’s Head products can also pursue legal action to force Boar’s Head to be held accountable for the safety violations.

Initiating legal action within the time limits imposed by state laws, known as statutes of limitations, is essential. Timely action ensures that victims and their families can seek compensation for their suffering and losses.

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

The average settlement amounts for lawsuits related to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak can vary significantly.

Settlement amounts are influenced by the severity of illness, medical expenses, and impact on the victim’s quality of life. Legal support is necessary to navigate complexities and secure fair compensation.

What Is The Current Legal Status?

The current legal status is that the first wrongful death lawsuit against Boar’s Head has been filed. The lawsuit claims that Boar’s Head failed to ensure the safety of its products, resulting in the tragic death of Gunter Morgenstein, highlighting the severe impact on listeria victims.

According to the lawsuit filed by the Morgenstein family in Sarasota County, Gunter consumed contaminated liverwurst, which led to a severe listeria infection. The family seeks damages for medical expenses, funeral costs, and emotional suffering.

This case has brought significant attention to the need for stricter food safety standards and has prompted further investigations into Boar’s Head’s processing facilities.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Virginia

Filing a lawsuit in Virginia allows individuals affected by the listeria outbreak to seek compensation for damages caused by contaminated Boar’s Head products.

Virginia family-filed plaintiffs in wrongful death cases can claim damages for emotional distress and loss of companionship.

Victims need evidence of product receipt and medical records to support their claims. Legal representation is essential for managing the complexities of foodborne illness lawsuits and maximizing potential compensation.

Related Articles:

• Illinois Boars Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
• South Carolina 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 Virginia Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is dedicated to providing support during these challenging times. Don’t hesitate to 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, 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.

Reference:

1. https://theweek.com/health/boars-head-listeria-outbreak-bugs-mold
2. https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.htm
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269