If you or someone you love developed a serious or fatal case of food poisoning after consuming Boar’s Head products, it is important that you understand your rights. At Console and Associates, P.C., our New Jersey personal injury lawyers are available to provide victims of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak with much-needed guidance and support to ensure that they understand their options to pursue a claim for compensation for everything they’ve been through. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a Boar’s Head listeria outbreak lawsuit lawyer, please feel free to complete our contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.
The Boar’s Head listeria outbreak of 2024 has become one of the most significant food safety crises in over a decade, impacting residents in 18 states. So far, the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak has resulted in nine deaths and 57 hospitalizations.
The source of the outbreak was traced to Boar’s Head liverwurst and other deli meats produced at the company’s production facility in Virginia. The products were contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a dangerous bacterium that is often found in improperly handled food. Listeria can lead to severe illness, especially in pregnant women, the elderly, as well as in individuals with weakened immune systems.
In response to the outbreak, Boar’s Head recalled over 7 million pounds of deli meats, including liverwurst and other items that were produced on the same line. Inspections of the Virginia plant revealed nearly 70 health violations, including unsanitary conditions such as mold, mildew, and insect infestations. These findings have prompted calls for a federal investigation into the company’s health and safety practices.
The outbreak has now led to 57 hospitalizations across 18 states, all connected to the recalled Boar’s Head meat from the facility. Tragically, nine deaths have been confirmed, with two occurring in South Carolina and one each in Illinois, New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and New York.
Listeria is a type of bacteria known as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. It is commonly found in contaminated food, such as unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and raw vegetables. Although healthy people may experience mild symptoms, Listeria poses a significant risk to pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
If infected, you may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. In severe cases, the bacteria can spread beyond the digestive system, leading to life-threatening complications like sepsis, meningitis, or miscarriages in pregnant women.
Complications from a Listeria outbreak vary, depending on a person’s health; however, vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk. Some potential complications include the following:
If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, you may have legal options to seek compensation for financial damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. For example, if you have been infected with Listeria from contaminated products, you can pursue a personal injury lawsuit against Boar’s Head under a product liability theory. In short, product liability laws allow manufacturers and distributors to be held liable for selling contaminated products.
Similarly, if a family member has tragically died because of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, you can file a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and financial support.
If you or someone in your family was affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, don’t take on the risk and stress of dealing with the situation on your own. At Console & Associates, P.C., our personal injury lawyers will listen, understand, and act with your best interests at heart. We believe that every case is personal, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Complete our contact form to learn how we can help.
