Nebraska Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Family Guide

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Collen Clark Published by Collen Clark

Boar’s Head faces legal challenges over alleged failures in maintaining listeria-free production environments in Nebraska. This comprehensive guide covers outbreak specifics, legal developments, and steps for filing claims in the state.

If the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak in Nebraska has affected you or your loved ones, S&C is prepared to advocate for your right to fair compensation.

How S&C Can Help With Your Claim?

S&C can help with your claim by providing expert legal guidance. Their experienced attorneys specialize in foodborne illness cases, like the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, and will assist in gathering essential evidence to strengthen your case.

Our firm offers specialized assistance tailored to Nebraska residents: 

  • Comprehensive evaluation of economic and non-economic damages following Nebraska law
  • Free initial consultations for clients in Nebraska
  • Expert advice on Nebraska’s legal deadlines with clear and open client communication

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak: Latest Updates

Boar’s Head is facing significant scrutiny for violating food safety regulations linked to a widespread listeria outbreak. 

Investigations revealed multiple infractions at their production facility, including:

  • Improper temperature control: The failure to maintain safe food storage conditions allows Listeria monocytogenes to thrive.
  • Cross-contamination risks: Inadequate separation of raw and ready-to-eat products, increasing the likelihood of contamination.
  • Poor hygiene practices: Employees did not adhere to proper handwashing and sanitation protocols.

Despite multiple warnings from health authorities, these violations persisted, resulting in a recall of millions of pounds of contaminated deli meats and numerous hospitalizations and fatalities across several states. Legal actions, including class-action lawsuits, have been filed against the company for negligence.

Boar’s Head’s Violations of Food Safety Regulations

Boar’s Head’s Nebraska facility has been linked to the listeria outbreak, and investigations have revealed numerous food safety violations [1]. 

The plant had a history of issues, including improper temperature control, unsanitary conditions, and cross-contamination risks, all of which contributed to the contamination of deli meats. 

Despite repeated warnings from regulators, these violations persisted, leading to the plant’s closure and several hospitalizations and fatalities in Nebraska. These safety lapses have prompted lawsuits alleging negligence in maintaining a safe production environment.

Which Boar’s Head Products Are Recalled in Nebraska?

Boat’s head products that are recalled in Nebraska include roast beef, turkey, and ham produced between July 10 and August 5, 2024, with best-by dates ranging from August 25 to September 20, 2024 [2].

Nebraska consumers should look for USDA inspection marks’ EST. 17652′ or ‘P-17652’ on packaging. The recall encompasses ready-to-eat meat and poultry items from the Nebraska production facility.

What is Listeria Monocytogenes?

Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium that causes listeriosis, a severe infection typically contracted by eating contaminated food [3]. 

This bacteria is hazardous because it can survive and grow in cold environments, such as refrigerators. It is often found in raw or processed foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized dairy products.

Listeria Symptoms

Listeria is a severe infection caused by consuming contaminated food. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe. The illness can appear anywhere from 1 to 70 days after exposure.

Many people may experience [4]:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  •  

These symptoms often resemble food poisoning and can go unnoticed in healthy individuals. In more severe cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to:

  • Headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions
  •  

These symptoms require immediate medical attention, especially in high-risk individuals. For pregnant women, listeria may cause mild flu-like symptoms but can have devastating effects, such as:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Life-threatening infections in newborns
  •  

Those at higher risk—pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems—should be especially cautious and seek medical care if symptoms develop.

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

Nebraska residents who consumed recalled Boar’s Head deli meats and subsequently suffered listeria-related illnesses can file a Boar’s Head Meat lawsuit in Nebraska. This includes individuals who required hospitalization at Nebraska medical facilities and families who lost loved ones to the infection in the state.

Prompt action is crucial, as Nebraska’s statute of limitations imposes a four-year deadline for filing personal injury claims.

“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

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

Settlement figures in Nebraska vary based on illness severity and associated damages. Cases involving extensive hospitalization in Nebraska facilities or long-term health impacts typically receive higher compensation.

Under Nebraska law, claimants may seek reimbursement for: 

  • Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs in Nebraska healthcare facilities.
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity in the Nebraska job market.
  • Physical pain and emotional suffering.
  • Psychological distress
  • Long-term care requirements in Nebraska

     

In cases of fatality, Nebraska families may pursue wrongful death claims, which have a two-year statute of limitations in the state.

The current legal status is currently rising. Boar’s Head Provision faces multiple ongoing lawsuits, including class action cases, across various states, including Nebraska. Impacted individuals are filing claims alleging negligence on Boar’s Head’s part for failing to maintain a listeria-free environment in its production facilities. 

In Nebraska, a class action lawsuit has been filed, and investigations by state and federal agencies are continuing. Many cases are expected to reach settlements, but some may proceed to trial as victims seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Filing a Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit in Nebraska

Start with a no-cost case evaluation with S&C to explore your legal options under Nebraska law. Gather necessary evidence, such as medical records from Nebraska healthcare providers and receipts from Nebraska retailers. 

While many cases in Nebraska are likely to settle, some may go to trial in Nebraska courts, following specific procedures set by the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature for food safety cases. 

Legal representation in Nebraska is typically offered contingency, with fees only applied if the case is successfully resolved.

Get Your Free Consultation From Nebraska Boar’s Head Lawsuit Lawyers

Schmidt & Clark, LLP is committed to supporting you during these difficult times. If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head Listeria outbreak, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our experienced team specializes in cases involving foodborne illnesses and will assist you throughout the legal process.

We will help you understand your rights and determine 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 thorough evaluation of your situation and to explore your legal options.

Reference:

  1. https://www.inc.com/associated-press/plant-linked-to-listeria-deaths-had-many-food-safety-violations.html
  2. https://boarshead.com/products-recall-2024
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534838/
  4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269

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