The Boar’s Head brand, famous for its deli meats and cheese, is beginning to feel the effects of litigations as families begin to file wrongful death lawsuits associated with the recent fungal infection, listeriosis. Listeria outbreak has made many families bereaved and demanding justice. If you or a family member have been affected, you might be asking, ‘Am I entitled to compensation?’ Here’s a breakdown of what you should know.
What is listeria, and why is it dangerous?
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can contaminate food, often affecting deli meats, cheeses, and other ready-to-eat products. It poses a particularly high risk to older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and those with weakened immune systems. If listeria bacteria contaminate food, it can survive even in refrigerated conditions, making it especially challenging to control in processed and pre-packaged products.
In recent years, there have been numerous outbreaks, but the Boar’s Head situation is among the deadliest since 2011. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that this outbreak has led to 10 deaths and 59 hospitalizations across 19 states.
How did Boar’s Head become linked to the outbreak?
After numerous listeria cases were reported across the U.S., the CDC identified Boar’s Head products, specifically those sliced in delis, as a likely source. Their investigation traced the contamination back to a Boar’s Head production plant in Jarratt, Virginia. This facility reportedly had several unsanitary conditions, including mold, insects, and poor sanitation practices. Such conditions created an environment where listeria could thrive, putting consumers at high risk.
In response, Boar’s Head issued a recall of over 7 million pounds of deli meat products, including their liverwurst line. This action came too late for many affected families, leading some to take legal action, seeking justice and compensation for the severe losses they’ve endured.
Who has filed a wrongful death lawsuit so far?
Several families have come forward, filing lawsuits against Boar’s Head for the deaths of their loved ones:
- Otis Adams, Jr. – Adams allegedly contracted listeria after consuming Boar’s Head products, which led to meningitis, sepsis, and eventually his death. His family’s legal team noted that his symptoms progressed rapidly after consuming the contaminated meat.
- Robert Hamilton – Hamilton, a New York resident, also passed away from listeriosis after eating Boar’s Head liverwurst. His death and its connection to the outbreak were confirmed by genomic sequencing that linked his infection back to Boar’s Head’s products.
- Linda Dorman – Another victim, Dorman from Maryland, experienced severe illness soon after consuming Boar’s Head liverwurst. She fell into a coma and later died from a listeria infection. Her family’s lawsuit details the devastating impact her death has had on them.
These cases are only a few of those now being litigated, with each family facing unique but similarly tragic losses.
What compensation might be available?
If you or someone in your family became ill or died due to listeria linked to Boar’s Head products, you could be eligible for financial compensation. Typical claims may seek compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Covering treatment costs, hospitalization, and medication related to the listeria infection.
- Lost Income – Reimbursing income lost due to hospitalization or death.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensating for physical and emotional suffering endured by the victim and their family.
- Punitive Damages – In certain cases, companies may be required to pay punitive damages if evidence shows negligence or intentional disregard for safety.
Some families, like those mentioned, have already filed for tens of millions of dollars in damages. Compensation amounts can vary based on the circumstances and severity of the individual cases.
How to find out if you are eligible for compensation
Determining your eligibility may depend on several factors:
- Purchase and Consumption of Contaminated Products – You need to confirm that you or your loved one consumed a Boar’s Head product linked to the listeria outbreak.
- Medical Diagnosis – A confirmed medical diagnosis of listeriosis that aligns with the timeline of the Boar’s Head outbreak could strengthen your case.
- Consulting a Lawyer – Food safety and wrongful death cases can be complex. Contacting a legal expert who specializes in foodborne illness litigation may help you understand your options for pursuing compensation.
What steps are Boar’s Head taking to prevent future outbreaks?
After the CDC’s findings, Boar’s Head issued a statement expressing regret and promising to improve their production practices. They have closed the Jarratt, Virginia facility indefinitely and announced they are ending the production of liverwurst, one of the main products linked to the outbreak. The brand has stated that it is working to implement comprehensive safety measures to ensure that no future outbreaks occur.
For families affected by this listeria outbreak, Boar’s Head’s promises for future safety may feel too little, too late. If you’re wondering if you or your family might be entitled to compensation, consulting a lawyer could provide clarity on whether you have a claim.
If you or a loved one has been impacted, it may be wise to act swiftly. The sooner you understand your rights and potential eligibility, the better prepared you’ll be to pursue justice.
