In Washington, a significant legal challenge has emerged against Boar’s Head, with plaintiffs alleging that the company’s negligence led to a widespread listeria outbreak.
The lawsuit contends that Boar’s Head failed to maintain proper food safety protocols at their Washington processing facility, resulting in product contamination.
This comprehensive guide explores the outbreak’s details, ongoing legal proceedings, and the process for initiating a claim. Continue reading to understand your options if this health crisis has impacted you.
For Washington residents affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers expert legal representation. Our firm’s extensive experience representing plaintiffs ensures we’re well-equipped to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Table Of Contents
- How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
- What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
- Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Washington?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Washington
- What Is The Current Legal Status?
- Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Washington
- Get Your Free Consultation From Washington Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
- Reference:
How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
S&C can help with your claim by navigating the complexities of legal claims following a listeria infection.
Here’s how our experienced team can assist:
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We conduct thorough claims assessments, encompassing economic and non-economic damages specific to Washington state law.
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Our firm provides complimentary initial consultations, offering expert legal advice without any upfront costs.
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We help clients navigate Washington’s specific statutes of limitations and maintain transparent communication throughout the legal journey.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has led to the recall of over 207,000 pounds of ready-to-eat deli meats, including liverwurst, Virginia ham, bologna, and salami, produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024 [1].
The recall came after a sample of liverwurst tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, prompting an investigation that revealed potential contamination across various deli meat products.
These products were distributed nationwide, including in Washington, where the outbreak resulted in hospitalizations and fatalities.
The recalled products bear sell-by dates ranging from July 25 to August 30, 2024, and are marked with the establishment number “EST. 12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Consumers are advised to discard or return these products to avoid potential illness.
This outbreak has resulted in severe health impacts, including hospitalizations and fatalities in multiple states, as the recall continues to expand.
Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations
The listeria outbreak stemmed from serious food safety violations at Boar’s Head’s Virginia facility.
Federal inspectors uncovered 69 instances of noncompliance with food safety regulations over the past year, including mold growth, insect infestations, and unsanitary conditions like condensation on surfaces and inadequate sanitation procedures [2].
Despite multiple warnings from health authorities, Boar’s Head allegedly failed to take timely corrective actions.
These persistent violations contributed to the spread of Listeria monocytogenes, which led to the temporary closure of the facility and several legal actions, including a class action lawsuit. The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations and fatalities across multiple states.
Also Read: South Dakota Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Washington?
The Boar’s Head products recalled in Washington include roast beef, turkey, ham, and various cold cuts produced between July 20 and September 15, 2024. These products have sell-by dates ranging from August 30 to October 25, 2024.
The health risks associated with these contaminated Boar’s Head products are significant, having caused multiple illnesses and deaths across Washington.
Consumers are urged to check for USDA inspection marks ‘EST. 18934’ or ‘P-18934’ on labels encompassing prepackaged deli items and those sliced at retail delis sourced from the Washington facility.
Given the severity of the health concerns, the recall extends to all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand in Washington during the specified period.
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a resilient bacterium capable of thriving in various environments, including ready-to-eat meat products. It’s a frequent culprit in food poisoning outbreaks, particularly concerning due to its ability to increase at refrigeration temperatures [3].
This pathogen can spread rapidly among food processing equipment, surfaces, and handlers. Known to persist in soil, water, and animal feces, it presents a significant challenge in maintaining sterile food production environments.
Particularly vulnerable groups include older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
The Washington State Department of Health closely monitors the situation, reporting on cases and urging consumers to exercise caution regarding recalled products. Severe listeriosis typically requires intensive antibiotic treatment.
“In interviews with sick people, 23 of 24 (89%) reported eating meats sliced at deli counters. Thirteen people reported eating deli sliced liverwurst, with seven of those reporting Boar’s Head brand.”- U.S Center for Disease Control and Prevention
Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection symptoms can manifest in various ways and may appear 24 hours to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
Common symptoms include [4]:
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Persistent high fever
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Severe headaches
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Neck stiffness
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Muscle pain
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Acute gastrointestinal distress
In more severe cases, complications may include:
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Mental confusion
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Loss of balance
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Convulsions
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Meningitis
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Septicemia
Pregnant women might 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 Washington?
Washington 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 Washington.
This includes individuals who require hospitalization due to listeriosis and families who have lost loved ones to the infection.
It’s crucial to act promptly, as Washington’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 Washington
Settlement amounts in listeria lawsuits can vary significantly and are influenced by illness severity and associated damages. In Washington, 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, lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. In cases of fatality, families may file wrongful death claims, which, in Washington, 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 Washington includes both individual and class action lawsuits. Individual lawsuits allow plaintiffs to pursue tailored legal strategies, often resulting in higher compensation as payouts are not divided among multiple plaintiffs.
A class action lawsuit has also been filed in Washington State Superior Court, consolidating multiple claims into one case. This approach helps reduce legal costs and streamline proceedings for those affected.
However, individuals must act quickly, as Washington’s statutes of limitations govern filing eligibility. The ongoing legal proceedings seek to hold Boar’s Head accountable for the health impacts caused by contaminated deli meats.
Evidence gathered by state health officials strengthens the plaintiffs’ case, and the lawsuit aims to secure compensation for those impacted by the outbreak, which has resulted in 23 confirmed cases, including three fatalities and 17 hospitalizations in Washington.
Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Washington
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 Washington.
While most cases are resolved through settlements, some may proceed to trial in Washington courts if an agreement cannot be reached.
Get Your Free Consultation From Washington Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
Schmidt & Clark,LLP is committed to supporting Washington residents during this challenging time. If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak in Washington, we encourage you to contact us.
Our skilled legal team, specializing in foodborne illness cases, will guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected under Washington law.
We will help you understand your rights and evaluate your eligibility for compensation related to the listeria outbreak in Washington. Our consultations are free and we only charge fees if we win your case.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your situation and to explore your legal options under Washington law.
Reference:
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https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/boars-head-provisions-co–recalls-ready-eat-liverwurst-and-other-deli-meat-products
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https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
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https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269