Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Wyoming Families’ Legal Rights Explained
In Wyoming, a legal matter has arisen concerning Boar’s Head, with individuals claiming that the company’s practices led to a listeria outbreak. The lawsuit suggests that Boar’s Head’s Wyoming facility may not have adhered to all necessary food safety protocols, potentially contributing to product contamination.
This guide provides information on the outbreak, current legal proceedings, and how to pursue a claim if affected. We encourage you to read on to understand the options available to those impacted by this situation.
Wyoming residents affected by the Boar’s Head listeria incident may find assistance with Schmidt & Clark, LLP. Our firm has experience in representing individuals in similar cases and is prepared to help you understand your legal rights.
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 Wyoming?
- Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Wyoming
- What Is The Current Legal Status?
- Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Wyoming
- Get Your Free Consultation From Wyoming Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
- Reference:
How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?
S&C can help with your claim by leveraging its background in food safety law and aims to assist individuals through this process.
Our team offers support by:
-
Evaluating claims, including both economic and non-economic aspects under Wyoming law.
-
Offering initial consultations at no cost to provide legal guidance.
-
Helping clients understand Wyoming’s legal timelines and maintaining open communication throughout the process.
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Wyoming is part of a larger multistate outbreak that has affected 18 states, leading to nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations nationwide.
The contamination has been linked to ready-to-eat deli meats, including liverwurst, ham, and other products produced at a Virginia facility.
In Wyoming, a recall of over 200,000 pounds of deli meats has been issued as a result of the outbreak, with multiple lawsuits filed by affected individuals. The recall includes products such as Virginia ham, liverwurst, and various hams and bologna, with sell-by dates ranging from July to September 2024.
Health authorities are urging consumers in Wyoming to check for any recalled Boar’s Head products in their homes, as these items could have long shelf lives and still pose a risk of infection. The CDC and the Wyoming Department of Health are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further illnesses.
If you’re concerned about possible exposure or want more information on the products affected, it’s crucial to follow updates from the CDC and local health authorities.
Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations
The listeria outbreak at Boar’s Head is linked to violations uncovered at its Virginia facility. Investigations revealed 69 instances of noncompliance with federal regulations, including inadequate sanitation procedures, mold growth, and insect infestations [1].
These violations persisted despite multiple warnings from authorities, which ultimately contributed to the contamination of deli meats and the outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. The facility’s ongoing issues led to a temporary shutdown, and legal action has been initiated as a result of the health impacts.
This outbreak has resulted in multiple hospitalizations and deaths across several states, including eight deaths and 57 hospitalizations nationwide.
Related Article: Wisconsin Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit
Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Wyoming?
Boar’s Head products that are recalled in Wyoming include roast beef, turkey, ham, and various cold cuts produced between October 20 and December 15, 2024. These items have sell-by dates from December 1, 2024, to January 25, 2025 [2].
These products have been associated with several illnesses and one death in Wyoming. Consumers should look for USDA inspection marks’ EST. 23478′ or ‘P-23478’ on labels of both prepackaged items and deli-sliced meats from the Wyoming facility.
The recall includes all ready-to-eat meat and poultry products under the Boar’s Head brand sold in Wyoming during the specified period.
“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
What is Listeria Monocytogenes?
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can survive in various conditions, including in ready-to-eat meat products. It’s known to cause food poisoning outbreaks and can grow even at refrigeration temperatures [3].
This organism can spread on food processing equipment, surfaces, and through food handlers. It’s found in soil, water, and animal feces, making it challenging to eliminate from food production environments.
Certain groups, including older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to severe illness.
The Wyoming Department of Health is monitoring the situation and advising consumers about recalled products. Severe cases of listeriosis often require antibiotic treatment.
Listeria Symptoms
Listeria symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the individual’s health condition.
Typically, symptoms appear between 1 and 70 days after consuming contaminated food, with high-risk groups like pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems being more vulnerable.
Common Symptoms Include [4]:
-
Fever
-
Muscle aches
-
Nausea
-
Diarrhea
Severe Symptoms Can Include:
-
Headache
-
Stiff neck
-
Confusion
-
Loss of balance
-
Convulsions
In pregnant women, symptoms may be mild but can lead to severe complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or life-threatening infection in newborns. If any of these symptoms appear, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly, especially for those in high-risk groups.
Who Can File a Boar’s Head Meat Lawsuit in Wyoming?
Wyoming residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head products and subsequently became ill can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Wyoming.
This includes those who were hospitalized and families of those who died from listeria infection. Wyoming law allows four years for filing personal injury claims related to food poisoning.
“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
Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Average Settlement Amounts in Wyoming
Settlement amounts in such cases can vary based on factors like illness severity and related damages. More severe cases often receive higher compensation.
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In fatal cases, families may file wrongful death claims within two years of the date of death in Wyoming.
Claims may also address emotional distress and long-term care needs resulting from listeria-related health issues.
What Is The Current Legal Status?
The current legal status in Wyoming is that individuals are pursuing legal action through individual lawsuits or join a class action lawsuit. Individual lawsuits allow for personalized strategies, while the class action approach combines multiple claims into one case.
A class action lawsuit has been filed in Wyoming District Court. This method can be more efficient, but it’s essential to be aware of the time limits for filing set by Wyoming law.
The legal proceedings aim to address the health impacts of the contaminated products. The lawsuit seeks compensation for those affected by the outbreak in Wyoming.
Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Wyoming
To start a lawsuit, you can request a free case review to understand your options. Significant evidence may include medical records and receipts for purchased products.
Many cases are settled out of court, but some may go to trial if an agreement isn’t reached. Lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, meaning they only charge fees if they win the case.
Get Your Free Consultation From Wyoming Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers
Schmidt & Clark,LLP is dedicated to assisting you during these challenging times. If the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak has impacted you or a loved one, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in foodborne illness cases and will guide you through every step of the legal process.
We are committed to helping you understand your rights and determine your eligibility for compensation related to the outbreak. Consultations are free, and we only charge fees if we win your case. Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation and to explore your legal options.
Reference:
-
https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
-
https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
-
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
-
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269