Wrongful Death Listeria Lawsuit Filed in Tampa

Although all wrongful death lawsuits are serious, a fatality arising from a defective product is particularly shocking for the general public. Product liability claims show that we can never truly trust the safety of vehicles, tools, and even food. Recently, the family of a Tampa resident filed one of these wrongful death lawsuits over a listeria outbreak linked to deli meats. What if you lost a loved one to listeria? Is it possible to file the same kind of wrongful death lawsuit in Tampa?

Tampa Family Joins Listeria Wrongful Death Lawsuit 

In October of 2024, ABC News reported that a Tampa family had sued a major deli meat company for the death of their loved one, which they say was caused by listeria. The report notes that this is not the only family to have suffered this tragedy, and dozens of others are grieving similar deaths across 19 states.

The CDC has confirmed almost 60 hospitalizations and almost 20 deaths, confirming that these cases of listeria were linked to the products distributed by the deli meat company. Some of the grieving families have decided to file similar wrongful death claims in different states. The Tampa family claims that their 79-year-old loved one died shortly after eating ham, while the other deaths were linked to a specific line of liverwurst products.

What Is Listeria? 

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can form a parasitic relationship with humans. It may be present in non-sterile foods, and it can be particularly dangerous for seniors and pregnant individuals. The FDA states that it is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness hospitalization.

The senior from Tampa realized something was wrong when he developed a fever. He then experienced diarrhea and severe fatigue, but he assumed that he had simply caught a flu. When the symptoms didn’t improve and instead became worse, he rushed to the hospital – but it was too late. By the time he received treatment, the bacteria had spread too far throughout his body – causing fatal meningitis and sepsis. He died three days after going to the hospital. These are common symptoms of listeriosis. If you suspect food may have caused this serious illness, prompt medical attention is essential.

How Do I Prove My Listeria Came From a Specific Food Product?

Proving the exact source of your listeria isn’t always easy, partly because the average person eats many different food products within a single day. It might be difficult to narrow down the culprits. Save your receipts, and ask your doctor what might have caused the listeria. A lawyer may also help you gather the necessary evidence.

Part of this evidence may come from the food product factory accused of creating the dangerous products. For example, the deli meat company linked to this particular outbreak operated a meat plant with a staggering 69 non-compliance violations over the past year. These included mold, insects, blood puddles, and worrying smells in the plant.

Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer in Tampa Help Me? 

If you have lost a loved one to a fatally defective product, it may be possible to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tampa. An experienced Tampa wrongful death lawyer can guide you through the necessary next steps, and they may be able to help you overcome various challenges along the way. To get started with this process, contact Anderson & Anderson today.

Sources: 

abcnews.go.com/US/wrongful-death-lawsuit-filed-boars-head-deadly-listeria/story?id=115099951

fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/get-facts-about-listeria