Law firms begin legal cases after Canadian listeria cases

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People who fall sick from listeria could be in for significant court settlements, says a Toronto lawyer.

“Individuals can receive damages in the hundreds of thousands of dollars in such cases,” noted personal injury lawyer Michael Smitiuch. 

There were 18 known cases of listeria, which resulted in two deaths and hospitalizations in Canada. Health officials blamed plant-based beverages contaminated with listeria.

Lawyers are filing claims on behalf of affected clients, said Smitiuch.

“Listeria in any form is not good, but where there will be long-term implications or even death, the compensation can rightly be hundreds of thousands of dollars.  We have seen some who have been in the hospital for a week or more and some have died,” Smitiuch said

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) recalled Silk and Great Value brand oat, almond and coconut milk beverages due to listeria concerns on July 8.

In addition to the two deaths, 13 people were hospitalized as of July 30.

There were 12 cases in Ontario, four in Quebec, and one each in Alberta and Nova Scotia. 

Smitiuch said awards can be significant depending on the severity of the illness, or if there is a death.

Health experts say listeria can make people sick up to two months after consumption. The Public Health Agency of Canada says symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, persistent fever, muscle aches, severe headache and neck stiffness.

Infected pregnant women may experience only mild, flu-like symptoms, but the infection can lead to premature delivery.

Most people with mild symptoms don’t require treatment, but those with more serious infections can be treated with antibiotics.

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