National Listeria Lawyer

What is Listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease affects primarily persons of advanced age, pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. However, persons without these risk factors can also rarely be affected.

What kind of germ is Listeria?

There are seven species of Listeria, which are then divided into two genomically distinct groups. The first group contains the species L. murrayi and L. grayi, which is considered nonpathogenic (not disease-causing) (Baltimore, 2007). The other group consists of the five remaining species; of those, two are nonhemolytic (L. innocula and L. welshimeri), and the remaining three are hemolytic (L. monocytogenes, L. seeligeri, and L. ivanovii) (Baltimore, 2007). L. ivanovii causes disease primarily in animals (Baltimore, 2007).

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

A person with listeriosis has fever, muscle aches, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur (CDC, 2011).

Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn (CDC, 2011).

Who is At Risk for Listerosis?

Each year, an estimated 1,600 persons in the United States fall seriously ill with listeriosis (CDC, 2011). Of these, approximately 260 die (CDC, 2011). Between 1989 and 1993, the annual incidence of listeriosis decreased by 34%; from 1996 to 2006, it declined 36% (CDC, 2011). However, outbreaks continue to occur.

A number of groups are at higher risk for developing listeriosis, including:

• Pregnant women;
• Newborns;
• Persons with weakened immune systems such as those resulting from organ transplants and from certain diseases, therapies, and medications;
• Persons with cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, liver or kidney disease;
• Persons with AIDS;
• Persons who take glucocorticosteroid medications; and
• The elderly.

(CDC, 2011).

Around 70% of nonperinatal infections occur in individuals who have hematologic malignancy, have received an organ transplant, are receiving corticosteroid treatment, or have AIDS (Lorber, 2010). Individuals infected with AIDS are almost 300 times more likely to get listeriosis than people with normal immune systems (CDC, 2011).

How do you get listeriosis?

Generally, an individual gets listeriosis by eating food contaminated with Listeria. Babies can be born with listeriosis if their mothers eat contaminated food during pregnancy. Persons at risk can prevent Listeria infection by avoiding certain high-risk foods and by handling food properly.

There have also been small clusters of nosocomial person-to-person transmissions in obstetric suites and hospital nurseries (Baltimore, 2007).

Zoonotic transmission with cutaneous infections occasionally occurs in farmers and veterinarians who contract the disease when handling sick animals (Baltimore, 2007).

How does Listeria get into food?

Listeria monocytogenes is found in food, soil and water, but nearly all medical authorities agree that over 99% of the identified victims of Listeriosis acquire it from eating food that has become contaminated with Listeria. Animals (and humans) can carry the bacterium without appearing ill and can contaminate foods such as meats and dairy products. Cross contamination can lead to the contamination of fruits and vegetables, ice cream, and other products. The bacterium has been found in a variety of raw foods, such as uncooked meats and vegetables, as well as in processed foods that become contaminated after processing, such as soft cheeses and cold cuts at the deli counter, cantaloupes, sprouts, and frozen foods (Listeria thrives at cool temperatures and is not affected by short-term freezing).

How is listeriosis detected?

Both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals face the same dilemma concerning detection of Listeria. The fact is that most cases of Listeriosis are not identified epidemiologically. Most (over 95%) of victims who get Listeria will develop gastroenteritis and will recover without seeking medical attention, or if they seek medical attention, will not be tested or provide a stool sample which often misses Listeria in standard stool cultures. There is also no routine screening test for listeriosis during pregnancy, as there is for rubella and some other congenital infections. Victims who have symptoms such as fever or stiff neck may consult a physician, and there are options in cases of suspected Listeriosis for a blood or spinal fluid test (to cultivate the bacteria).

How can I reduce the risk for listeriosis?

General recommendations:

• Cook raw food from animal sources – such as beef, pork, or poultry – thoroughly, to a safe internal temperature;
• Wash raw vegetables thoroughly before eating;
• Keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables and from cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods;
• Avoid unpasteurized (raw) milk or foods made from unpasteurized milk;
• Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods; and
• Consume perishable and ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible.

(CDC, 2011).

Canned or shelf-stable product (CDC, 2011). Canned and shelf-stable tuna, salmon, and other products are thus generally safe to eat (CDC, 2011).

Can listeriosis be treated?

When infection occurs during pregnancy, antibiotics given promptly to the pregnant woman can often prevent infection of the fetus or newborn (CDC, 2011).

Babies with listeriosis receive the same antibiotics as adults, although a combination of antibiotics is often used until physicians are certain of the diagnosis. Even with prompt treatment, some infections result in death. This is particularly likely in the elderly and in persons with other serious medical problems (CDC, 2011).

Listeria Food Poisoning Lawyers

Listeria food poisoning lawyers are the legal experts in representing the victims of listeria food poisoning. This type of food poisoning is the result of contaminated food products due to the bacteria listeria. Listeria is a pathogen that may cause severe illness in vulnerable populations like pregnant women, elderly and weak individuals. Listeria food poisoning may assist clients pursue compensation for the medical expenses, loss of wages, and other damages resulting from illness. It may work to hold the food manufacturers, distributors and other responsible parties accountable for their negligence in allowing the contaminated food products to enter the market.

What is a Listeria Lawyer?

A listeria lawyer is a specialized lawyer that represents the victims of food poisoning caused by listeria monocytogenes in the vulnerable populations.

A listeria lawyer can help the victims in getting compensation for loss of wages, medical expenses and other damages caused by listeria infections. These lawyers may hold the accountable responsible for the negligence in allowing contaminated products to enter the market.

A listeria attorney is the expert in food safety regulations and lawsuits. He works to help the victims get justice and receive compensation for all the damages they suffer.

What does a Listeria Lawyer Do?

A listeria lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to the victims that includes investigating the source of contamination, evidence collection to support a legal claim, negotiations with the insurance companies and other parties responsible for the negligence in allowing the contaminated food products reach the market. A listeria lawyer may help in pursuing compensation for the medical expenses, loss of wages and other damages resulting from the listeria infection.

Why Should You Hire a Listeria Lawyer?

Hiring a listeria attorney can be beneficial to pursue legal action against the responsible parties and seek compensation. A listeria lawyer is a skilled and experienced attorney in food safety regulations and lawsuits. He can provide value-adding support throughout the complex legal process.

A listeria lawyer can also provide you an easy access to the expertise and legal remedies that can help you build a strong case. It includes expert witnesses and specialized testing services. a listeria attorney can communicate well with the insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. It helps you to focus on your speedy recovery and health.

A listeria attorney can help you hold responsible parties accountable. These parties are responsible for the easy access of these contaminated products into the market. A listeria lawyer may assist you recover compensation for the medical expenses, loss of wages and other damages caused by the listeria infections.

Both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals face the same dilemma concerning detection of Listeria. The fact is that most cases of Listeriosis are not identified epidemiologically. Most (over 95%) of victims who get Listeria will develop gastroenteritis and will recover without seeking medical attention, or if they seek medical attention, will not be tested or provide a stool sample which often misses Listeria in standard stool cultures. There is also no routine screening test for listeriosis during pregnancy, as there is for rubella and some other congenital infections. Victims who have symptoms such as fever or stiff neck may consult a physician, and there are options in cases of suspected Listeriosis for a blood or spinal fluid test (to cultivate the bacteria). Many of those who do present with invasive listeriosis are already suffering other medical conditions, are elderly or very young, and in the cases of suspected meningitis, many will forgo the intrusive cerebral spinal tap in favor of administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics. When antibiotics are administered, later CSF cultures can lead to false negatives.

During pregnancy, a blood test is the most reliable way to find out if symptoms are due to listeriosis, but these often do not detect Listeria in the placenta, and post-DNC or still birth, placental culturing is rarely performed.

What Should You Look For In A Listeria Lawyer?

There are several qualities you should look for when choosing a listeria attorney.

• Experience: The more experience your listeria attorney has, the better equipped he or she will be to handle your case and get results
• Compensation: An experienced and veteran listeria attorney may choose to represent you on a contingency basis, meaning they will charge no upfront fees and only take a percentage of what is won.
• Track Record: A good listeria lawyer should have a proven track record of success
• Communication Skills: During this process, your relationship with your attorney is vital. Your listeria lawyer must communicate well, listen intently, explain everything fully, and respond quickly to any questions or concerns that arise.

Types of Claims Listeria Lawyers Handle

Personal Injury Lawsuit

Personal injury lawsuits are legal claims in which you can file against another party for damages. Most often, these lawsuits are filed in civil courts when an individual has suffered harm or loss due to someone else’s actions.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Wrongful death lawsuits are legal claims filed by family members of someone who has died due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party.

Negligence Claim

Negligence claims are filed when negligent behavior, carelessness or lack of reasonable safety precautions have directly caused physical or financial harm to an individual.

Product Liability Lawsuit

A product liability lawsuit is a claim in which you can file against any party in the chain of distribution when a defective or dangerous product has directly caused physical harm to an individual.

Class Action Lawsuit

Class action lawsuits are claims in which you join with others that have been injured and harmed by defective products or processes to file a legal claim.

Listeria Settlement

Out-of-court settlements are monetary compensation offered by an insurance company on behalf of another party responsible for damages in lieu of taking the case to court. The settlement is offered at the discretion of the insurance company, so it’s critical to know your rights before accepting any offer made.