BOAR'S HEAD LAWSUIT

Experienced Louisiana Product Liability Attorney for Victims of Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

In recent weeks, a listeria outbreak has been linked to Boar’s Head Meats, putting countless individuals at risk of severe illness and even death. For those who have consumed contaminated Boar’s Head products, taking legal action is crucial. Filing a lawsuit can help recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages resulting from the illness or death caused while also holding negligent companies accountable for putting consumer safety at risk.

Joey Greenwald, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Shreveport, Louisiana, is committed to helping victims of the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak seek justice and obtain the compensation they are entitled to. With years of experience in product liability cases, he is committed to fighting for individuals and families harmed by negligent companies like Boar’s Head.

Call the Greenwald Law Firm at (318) 219-7867 or reach out online today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced product liability lawyer regarding your case.

Why Did Boar’s Head Recall Their Meats?

Boar’s Head recalled a number of their meats after a significant public health concern emerged involving the contamination of their products with listeria bacteria. This recall was prompted by what has been identified as the largest listeriosis outbreak since the cantaloupe fiasco of 2011, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The presence of listeria bacteria in Boar’s Head deli meat products poses a severe health risk, particularly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In response to the product’s dangers and to prevent further illnesses, Boar’s Head’s management issued a recall of the affected meats, advising consumers to stop eating the products until further notice.

Which Boar’s Head Deli Meats are Recalled?

The recall was initially issued for Boar’s Head liverwurst products after concerns arose about potential listeria contamination. However, shortly after this initial recall, the company expanded the recall to include all other Boar’s Head products produced at their Jarratt, Virginia facility. Below is a list of all of these recalled products.

Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak 2024 Recall List

Below is the list of all Boar’s Head’s products that, if purchased before July 31, 2024, have been recalled:

• All Natural Applewood Smoked Uncured Ham
• All Natural Traditional Uncured Ham
• BourbonRidge Uncured Smoked Ham
• Brown Sugar & Spice Off the Bone Ham
• Gourmet Pepper Brand Ham
• Hickory Smoked Roast Uncured Ham
• Italian Cappy Ham
• Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
• Extra Hot Italian Cappy Style Ham
• Maple Glazed Roast Pork Loin
• Peppenero Garlic Ham
• Porchetta Roasted Seasoned Pork (Foodservice)
• Roasted Pork
• Rosemary & Sundried Tomato Ham
• SmokeMaster Beechwood Smoked Ham
• Sweet Slice Smoked Uncured Ham
• Tavern Ham
• Virginia Ham
• Pork & Beef Bologna
• 33% Lower Sodium Bologna
• Beef Bologna
• Beef Salami
• Garlic Bologna
• Head Cheese
• Strassburger Brand Liverwurst
• Liverwurst Pate
• Olive Terrine Loaf
• Pickle & Pepper Terrine Loaf
• Spiced Ham
• Canadian Style Uncured Bacon
• Steakhouse Roasted Slab Bacon
• Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters
• Uncured Pork & Beef Frankfurters – Natural Casing
• Uncured Beef Frankfurters
• Uncured Beef Frankfurters- Natural Casing
• Uncured Cocktail Frankfurters
• Uncured Beef Knockwurst
• Bratwurst
• Hot Smoked Uncured Sausage
• Uncured Kielbasa
• All Natural Chicken Sausage – Smoked Andouille
• Old Country Brand All Nat Uncured Smoked Ham
• Old Country Brand All Natural Uncured Ham
• Old Country Brand Beechwood Smoked Ham
• Old Country Brand BourbonRidge Smoked Ham
• Old Country Brand Brown Sugar & Spice Delight Off the Bone Ham
• Old Country Brand Cappy Brand Ham
• Old Country Brand Gourmet Pepper Ham
• Old Country Brand Habanero Ham
• Old Country Brand Rosemary Tomato Ham
• Old Country Brand Black Forest Ham
• Old Country Brand Canadian Style Bacon
• Old Country Brand Cappy Ham
• Old Country Brand Hot Butt Cappy Ham
• Old Country Brand Seasoned Fresh Ham
• Old Country Brand Sweet Slice Smoked Ham
• Old Country Brand Tavern Ham

What is Listeria and Why is it Dangerous?

Listeria is a harmful bacterium that can cause a serious infection called listeriosis. Listeria can contaminate food through various pathways, potentially spreading during the production, processing, or packaging stages when proper sanitation measures are not in place. 

More specifically, contamination typically occurs when food comes into contact with surfaces or equipment harboring Listeria monocytogenes, especially in facilities that handle raw or undercooked foods. Foods such as deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, and pre-packaged salads are particularly vulnerable because they may not undergo further cooking, which would otherwise kill the bacteria. Additionally, improper storage or refrigeration can allow listeria to multiply, as it can grow even at low temperatures.

Listeria outbreaks, like the one linked to Boar’s Head deli meats, can lead to widespread illness and even death.

Symptoms of Listeria Exposure

The potential symptoms of a listeria infection, also known as listeriosis, can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the infection. However, some of the most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions

In severe cases, especially in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, listeria can cause serious complications like meningitis, septicemia, and, in pregnant women, miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature delivery. If any of these symptoms develop after consuming potentially contaminated meats, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Reported Cases of Injury and Death Related to Boar’s Head Listeria Outbreak

According to the latest report from the CDC, 57 people across 18 states have reportedly tested positive for listeria poisoning after eating Boar’s Head deli meats, and at least nine people have died. Unfortunately, the number of listeria victims is likely to grow even larger in the coming weeks.

The first wrongful death lawsuit against Boar’s Head was filed in Sarasota, Florida after an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor named Gunter Morgenstein died less than a month after consuming Boar’s Head meat. 

As per an article by the New York Post, Morgenstein purchased the products on June 30, and over the following days, quickly became ill with fever, diarrhea, and other symptoms. According to the lawsuit filed, “Morgenstein’s condition continued to worsen and he was eventually hospitalized on July 8 […] His blood culture tested positive for listeria bacteria after he ingested listeria from the Boar’s Head products […] Morgenstein became very ill, developing listeriosis, encephalitis, meningitis, and sepsis as a result of the contaminated meat.”

Working to Hold Boar’s Head Accountable for the Harm Caused

Recent documents released via the federal Freedom of Information Act reveal that Boar’s Head’s deli meat plant in Jarratt, Virginia repeatedly violated federal rules. Over the past year, 69 instances of noncompliance were recorded, including issues like meat, fat residue, and liquid dripping from ceilings and walls as well as instances of mold and insects coming into contact with food production and equipment. 

The U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service reportedly found “unreasonably dangerous” conditions, such as discolored meat buildup, meat and blood on walls and floors, flies in pickle vats, and rancid smells in coolers. Despite repeated warnings, plant staff failed to address these concerns or provide adequate warnings, putting the health of the general public at serious risk.

In late August, Boar’s Head released a statement on their website stating the following:

“We are conducting an extensive investigation, working closely with the USDA and government regulatory agencies, as well as with the industry’s leading food safety experts, to determine how our liverwurst produced at our Jarratt, Virginia facility was adulterated and to prevent it from happening again. Production has been paused at our Jarratt, Virginia facility since we initiated the expanded recall in late July. We will not resume operations at this facility until we are confident that it meets USDA regulatory standards and Boar’s Head’s highest quality and safety standards.”

Of course, no apology or “extensive investigation” from the company responsible could possibly repair the damage that has already been caused or forgive the unsafe conditions that were recorded at this plant. Those who have consumed meats from Boar’s Head and who have subsequently become ill or died as a result should take immediate legal action against the company to ensure they are fairly compensated for the harm caused.

Your Legal Rights as a Victim

Individuals harmed by a foodborne illness due to negligence have the right to seek compensation for the damages they’ve suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In cases like the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, those affected may file legal claims based on product liability, negligence, or wrongful death, depending on the circumstances.

By pursuing legal action, victims and their families can work to recover compensation and hold companies like Boar’s Head accountable for their negligence in ensuring product safety.

Boar’s Head Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Families of individuals who have tragically died due to the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak can and should seek justice and compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. This legal action allows surviving family members to hold Boar’s Head and any other responsible parties accountable for their loved one’s death. With the help of an experienced wrongful death lawyer like Joey Greenwald, families can recover compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, lost future earnings, and the emotional suffering caused by the loss.

What To Do You Have Been Affected by Contaminated Boar’s Head Deli Meat

If you or someone you love is believed to have been exposed to listeria from Boar’s Head’s products, here are some clear, actionable steps you should take:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, or diarrhea, consult a healthcare professional right away for evaluation and testing.
2. Document Symptoms and Medical Visits: Keep detailed records of any symptoms you experience, as well as all medical appointments, treatments, and diagnoses related to potential listeria exposure.
3. Preserve Evidence: Retain any receipts, leftover Boar’s Head products, and packaging to help establish the connection between the contaminated food and your illness.
4. Report Your Case: Notify the appropriate public health authorities, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or your local health department, about your possible exposure to contaminated products.
5. Consult a Product Liability Lawyer: Contact an experienced attorney like Joey Greenwald to discuss your legal options for seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by listeria exposure.
6. Avoid Further Exposure: Follow any recall notices and avoid consuming Boar’s Head products until the outbreak has been fully investigated and resolved.

Why Choose Shreveport Injury Attorney Joey Greenwald for Your Boar’s Head Lawsuit?

We highly encourage victims or families of victims who have suffered harm from Boar’s Head meats to contact North Louisiana product liability attorney Joey Greenwald as soon as possible to protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Attorney Greenwald has the experience and dedication needed to hold Boar’s Head and other responsible parties accountable for the listeria outbreak. 

Acting quickly is crucial to ensure that evidence is preserved and legal deadlines are met, so be sure to reach out to the Greenwald Law Firm right away to start the process of seeking justice and financial recovery.

Contact an Experienced North Louisiana Product Liability Attorney at Greenwald Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak, it’s important to act now. The Greenwald Law Firm is ready to stand up for your rights and force Boar’s Head to take responsibility for the harm caused by their contaminated products. Our goal is to ensure that listeria victims are fairly compensated for any and all of the losses and damages they’ve faced as a result, and we intend to do just that.

Contact an experienced Shreveport personal injury lawyer at our firm today to begin your fight for justice. Simply give us a call at (318) 219-7867 or send a message online to set up a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.