A legal firestorm has ignited in Wisconsin as plaintiffs take on Boar’s Head, alleging the company’s negligence sparked a widespread listeria outbreak. The lawsuit claims Boar’s Head’s Wisconsin processing plant failed to maintain crucial food safety protocols, directly leading to product contamination.
This comprehensive article unravels the outbreak’s intricacies, current legal proceedings, and steps for initiating a claim. Read on to discover your recourse if you’ve fallen victim to this health crisis.
Wisconsin residents impacted by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak can turn to Schmidt & Clark, LLP for expert legal guidance. Our firm’s stellar record in plaintiff representation positions us uniquely to champion your cause for justice and fair compensation.
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 Wisconsin?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Wisconsin
- What Is The Current Legal Status?
- Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Wisconsin
- Get Your Free Consultation From Wisconsin Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
- Reference:
How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
S&C can help with your claim by guiding you through the legal process following a listeria infection. Our experienced team offers support by conducting thorough claim evaluations that cover both economic and non-economic damages under Wisconsin law.
We can:
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Provide free initial consultations to help you understand your options without any upfront costs.
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Assist in navigating Wisconsin’s statutes of limitations
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Maintain clear and open communication throughout your legal journey.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
As of October 2024, the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Wisconsin remains a significant public health concern. The outbreak, linked to contaminated deli meats, has led to at least 57 hospitalizations and eight deaths across 18 states, including Wisconsin.
The CDC confirmed that Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli products were involved in the outbreak. These products were recalled due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes and carried sell-by dates ranging from July to October 2024.
Residents of Wisconsin are advised to avoid consuming any recalled Boar’s Head products, especially those labeled with the USDA inspection number “EST. 12612” [1].
Affected items were sold at delis and grocery stores across the state, posing a particular risk to vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and the elderly. Legal actions are ongoing, with victims seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations
The listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head originated from a Virginia plant, as reported in official sources. Investigations revealed 69 violations of food safety regulations, including mold growth, insect infestations, and improper sanitation practices, contributing to the contamination of products [2].
Despite repeated warnings, Boar’s Head failed to address the issues, leading to persistent unsafe conditions.
The Virginia facility has since been closed temporarily, and legal actions, including class action lawsuits, are underway across several states. The outbreak has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and fatalities, as recalled products, including deli meats, were distributed nationwide
Also Read: West Virginia Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Wisconsin?
The Boar’s Head products recalled in Wisconsin encompass ham, turkey, roast beef, and an array of cold cuts produced between October 1 and November 25, 2024. These products bear sell-by dates ranging from November 15, 2024, to January 10, 2025 [3].
The health risks linked to these contaminated Boar’s Head products are severe, having triggered multiple illnesses and deaths across Wisconsin.
Consumers must scrutinize products for USDA inspection marks ‘EST. 21756’ or ‘P-21756’ on labels, covering both pre-packaged deli items and those sliced at retail delis sourced from the Wisconsin facility.
Given the gravity of the health threat, the recall blankets all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products sold under the Boar’s Head brand in Wisconsin during the specified timeframe.
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a tenacious bacterium that thrives in diverse environments, including ready-to-eat meat products. It frequently sparks food poisoning outbreaks, particularly alarming due to its ability to multiply at refrigeration temperatures [4].
This pathogen rapidly colonized food processing equipment, surfaces, and handlers. Its persistence in soil, water, and animal feces poses a formidable challenge in maintaining sterile food production environments.
Particularly vulnerable groups include the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and immunocompromised individuals. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services maintains vigilant surveillance, reporting cases and urging consumer caution regarding recalled products. Severe listeriosis cases typically demand aggressive antibiotic intervention.
Listeria Symptoms
Listeria infection symptoms manifest diversely and may surface anywhere from 24 hours to 70 days post-consumption of contaminated food.
Common symptoms include [3]:
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Stubborn high fever
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Intense cranial pain
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Neck rigidity
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Muscular discomfort
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Severe gastrointestinal distress
More severe cases may trigger complications such as:
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Cognitive confusion
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Balance and coordination loss
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Convulsions
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Meningeal inflammation
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Systemic blood infection
Pregnant women might experience mild flu-like symptoms, but the infection can precipitate severe complications including miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening neonatal infection.
Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently developed listeria-related illnesses can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Wisconsin. This includes individuals hospitalized due to listeriosis and families who lost loved ones to the infection.
Swift action is crucial, as Wisconsin’s statute of limitations imposes a three-year window for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Wisconsin
Listeria lawsuit settlements can vary widely, influenced by illness severity and associated damages. In Wisconsin, cases involving prolonged hospitalization or enduring health impacts typically command higher compensation.
Victims may pursue compensation for economic damages, including medical expenses and income loss, alongside non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. In fatal cases, families may file wrongful death claims, which in Wisconsin, must be initiated within three years of the death date.
Legal claims may also cover victims’ emotional distress, with some settlements factoring in long-term care needs stemming from listeria-related health complications.
What Is The Current Legal Status?
The current legal status of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Wisconsin involves both individual lawsuits and potential class action claims as victims seek compensation for the health impacts caused by contaminated deli meats.
Several products were recalled due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, and lawsuits have been filed by affected individuals across the state. These lawsuits claim Boar’s Head’s negligence in maintaining proper food safety standards at its facilities, contributing to widespread illness.
As of October 2024, 21 confirmed cases of listeria, including three fatalities and 16 hospitalizations, have been reported in Wisconsin.
Legal actions are ongoing, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services is working closely with federal agencies like the CDC to monitor the outbreak and its legal implications
“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 Wisconsin
Initiating a lawsuit begins with a complimentary case evaluation to explore your legal options. Crucial evidence may include medical records and purchase receipts linking the illness to contaminated products bought in Wisconsin.
While most cases resolve through settlements, some may advance to trial in Wisconsin courts if an agreement proves elusive.
Typically, lawyers operate on a contingency basis, meaning claimants bear no upfront fees. Attorney fees are collected only upon successful case resolution.
Get Your Free Consultation From Wisconsin Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
Schmidt & Clark,LLP stands committed to supporting Wisconsin residents through this challenging period. If the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one in Wisconsin, we urge you to reach out.
Our adept legal team, specializing in foodborne illness cases, will navigate you through each legal step, safeguarding your rights under Wisconsin law.
We’ll clarify your rights and assess your eligibility for compensation related to Wisconsin’s listeria outbreak. Our consultations come at no cost, and we charge fees only upon winning your case.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation of your circumstances and to explore your legal options under Wisconsin law.
Reference:
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https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/07/29/boars-head-listeria-outbreak-lawsuit/74589351007/
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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://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
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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