Listeria is a serious foodborne illness that can lead to devastating health consequences, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. While not as commonly discussed as other bacterial outbreaks, Listeria infections (known as listeriosis) are often linked to contaminated ready-to-eat foods, dairy products, and improperly processed meats.
When exposure to Listeria occurs due to negligence in food production, handling, or distribution, those affected may have legal options — including the right to pursue a personal injury claim.
What Is Listeria?
Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria that can cause severe illness in humans. Unlike many other foodborne pathogens, Listeria can survive and even grow in cold temperatures, such as inside a refrigerator. It’s most commonly found in:
- Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses
- Processed deli meats and hot dogs
- Refrigerated pâtés and meat spreads
- Smoked seafood
- Prepackaged salads or ready-to-eat foods
The symptoms of listeriosis can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to appear after exposure.
Symptoms of Listeria Infection
While healthy individuals may experience only mild symptoms, Listeria can cause serious complications in vulnerable groups. Common symptoms include:
- Fever and muscle aches
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Headache or stiff neck
- Confusion or loss of balance
- Seizures (in severe cases)
In pregnant women, Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
How Listeria Outbreaks Happen
Listeria contamination is often the result of negligence during food processing or storage. Outbreaks may be caused by:
- Unsanitary factory conditions
- Failure to properly heat, cool, or store food
- Cross-contamination with raw materials
- Lapses in food safety inspections
- Poor handling in grocery stores or restaurants
When companies fail to follow proper food safety protocols, they can be held liable for the harm caused to consumers.
Legal Liability in Listeria Cases
Victims of listeriosis may have a valid personal injury claim if their illness can be traced to a contaminated product. A successful claim may involve:
- Product liability – Holding manufacturers or distributors responsible for selling unsafe food
- Negligence – Failing to take reasonable precautions in food handling or sanitation
- Wrongful death – If the infection led to a fatal outcome, surviving family members may have a claim
To pursue a case, it’s often necessary to identify the source of the infection, confirm it through testing, and establish a link between the contaminated food and the illness.
Compensation for Listeria Illnesses
A personal injury lawsuit involving a Listeria infection may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses (hospitalization, treatment, long-term care)
- Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in wrongful death cases
- Emotional trauma, especially in cases involving fetal loss or serious long-term complications
Foodborne illness cases can be complex, requiring medical documentation, product tracing, and expert analysis. That’s why legal guidance is essential.
Talk to a Texas Personal Injury Lawyer About a Listeria Claim
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious illness due to Listeria exposure — particularly from a contaminated food product — you may be entitled to compensation. Companies have a duty to ensure the safety of the products they manufacture and sell. When they fail, they should be held accountable.
Spagnoletti Law Firm represents clients across Texas in personal injury and product liability cases. We have the resources to investigate contamination, work with medical experts, and pursue full compensation on your behalf.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 today to schedule a free consultation with a Texas personal injury lawyer. You pay no fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries.