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Listeria Lawsuit Overview
Listeriosis is a serious foodborne infection caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which is primarily transmitted through contaminated food. Lawsuits target food manufacturers and distributors whose products tested positive for Listeria contamination. According to CDC data, there were 1,651 reported cases of listeriosis between 2011 and 2019, with a 21% case fatality rate.
Latest Listeria Lawsuit Updates
December 2021 – Fresh Express recalled contaminated baby spinach distributed throughout the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. after at least 10 illnesses were linked to the contamination.
July 2021 – The CDC and FSIS began investigating a multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to frozen, fully cooked chicken products supplied by Tyson Foods Inc.
February 27, 2021 – El Abuelito Cheese Inc. recalled quesillo and requested cheeses due to a Listeria outbreak that caused at least 11 illnesses, 10 hospitalizations, and 1 death across 4 states.
2020 – A Listeria outbreak linked to Italian-style deli meats resulted in 12 hospitalizations and 1 death in Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and New York.
2020 – Enoki mushrooms supplied by Green Co. LTD caused 36 infections across 17 states, resulting in at least 31 hospitalizations and 4 deaths.
2019 – Hard-boiled eggs caused 8 Listeria infections across 5 states, with 5 hospitalizations and 1 death in Texas, including one illness in a newborn.
2019 – Various deli-sliced meats and cheeses infected 10 people across 4 states, causing 10 hospitalizations and 1 death in Michigan.
Listeria Injuries & Side Effects
Listeriosis can cause a range of symptoms from mild illness to life-threatening complications, especially in vulnerable populations [1].
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, severe headache, nausea, vomiting
- Neurological complications: Stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, convulsions
- Severe complications for pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems: increased risk of developing encephalitis (brain inflammation), meningitis (inflammation of brain and spinal cord membranes), life-threatening blood infections, and brain infections
- Pregnancy complications: Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and infection of newborns
Listeria Outbreak and Pregnancy
Listeria food poisoning during pregnancy may cause miscarriage in the first trimester, with the most serious infection risk occurring in the third trimester, potentially leading to premature delivery of a low-birth-weight infant or fetal death. Infected fetuses may develop intellectual disability, paralysis, seizures, blindness, or brain, heart, or kidney defects, while newborns can suffer blood infections and meningitis. If you are pregnant and have symptoms of listeriosis, you should contact your obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn) or other health care provider immediately. Note that symptoms can take up to 2 months to appear.
CDC Reports and Statistics
According to the CDC, Listeria infections have a significantly higher detection rate compared to other foodborne pathogens. Dr. Robert Buchanan, director of the University of Maryland’s Center for Contaminated Food Safety and Security Systems, estimates that Listeria is accurately diagnosed in 1 of every 2 medical cases, while salmonella infection diagnoses are closer to 1 in 30.
“If you get a severe case of listeriosis infection, it almost always involves hospitalization,” Buchanan said. “Once you’re in there and they start looking around, the probability of them finding it is pretty high.”
How Do Doctors Diagnose a Listeria Illness?
A blood test is often the most effective way to determine whether you have a listeria illness, according to the Mayo Clinic [2]. In some cases, samples of urine or spinal fluid will be tested as well. To help confirm the diagnosis from a listeria lawyer, your doctor might ask if you’ve recently eaten:
- Soft cheeses, such as brie, Camembert, or feta, or Mexican-style cheeses, such as queso blanco or queso fresco
- Raw milk or cheeses made of raw (unpasteurized) milk
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs or deli meats
- Any foods that have been recalled
Related Article: Food Poisoning Treatments & Home Remedies
Do You Qualify for a Listeria Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Listeria lawsuit if:
- You consumed food that was later confirmed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes
- You experienced serious symptoms of listeriosis requiring medical attention
- You were diagnosed with a Listeria infection through blood tests or other medical examinations
- You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to Listeria contamination
- You are pregnant and suffered pregnancy complications due to Listeria exposure
Related Article: Chicago Listeria Lawyer
Evidence Required for a Listeria Lawsuit
- Medical records confirming Listeria diagnosis
- Proof of purchase of the contaminated food product
- Documentation of any recalls related to the food product you consumed
- Medical bills and records of treatment
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of listeriosis
- Lost wages due to illness
- Pain and suffering
- Compensation for pregnancy complications or loss
Statute of Limitations for Listeria Lawsuits
Time limits for filing a Listeria lawsuit vary by state. Contact a Listeria lawyer immediately to determine the specific deadline that applies to your case.
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See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
FAQs
- What is Listeriosis? Listeriosis is a serious blood infection caused by the germ Listeria monocytogenes. People typically get sick with listeriosis after eating food contaminated with Listeria.
- How do doctors diagnose Listeria infections? A blood test is often the most effective way to determine whether you have a Listeria infection [2]. In some cases, samples of urine or spinal fluid will be tested as well.
- What foods are commonly associated with Listeria contamination? Common sources include soft cheeses (brie, Camembert, feta, queso fresco), raw milk products, processed meats (hot dogs, deli meats), and unwashed raw produce.
- What should I do if I suspect I’ve consumed contaminated food? Seek medical care if you have symptoms of listeriosis within 2 months after eating potentially contaminated food, especially if you’re pregnant, over 65, or have a compromised immune system.
- How does Listeria affect pregnant women? Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or serious infection in newborns. Pregnant women should contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms.
- How is Listeria infection treated? For minor infections, medication may not be required. Severe cases are treated with antibiotics, typically ampicillin alone or with gentamicin. Severe cases may require up to 6 weeks of treatment. You should seek the help of healthcare professionals for your specific case.
- Can Listeria be prevented? Prevention measures include proper refrigeration (40°F or below), consuming ready-to-eat foods quickly, washing raw vegetables thoroughly, cooking foods to safe temperatures, and keeping your refrigerator clean.
- Who is most at risk for severe Listeria infection? Pregnant women, newborns, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for severe listeriosis.
- How common are Listeria infections? According to the CDC, there were 1,651 reported cases of listeriosis between 2011 and 2019, with a case fatality rate of 21%.
- What compensation can I receive from a Listeria lawsuit? Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and damages for pregnancy complications or loss.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Listeria food poisoning. Many states have strict statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a claim after your illness.
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Our team of experienced Listeria lawyers is currently accepting new food poisoning cases in all 50 states.
Call the Listeria lawyers with Schmidt & Clark, LLP by dialing (866) 588-0600 or filling out the contact form below to get your free case review from our lawyers.
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References:
- https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355275#