Carolina Personal Injury News

Lawsuit Filed Against Smithfield Foods for Swine Flu Death

According to the Dallas Morning News, Smithfield Foods is facing a lawsuit from Texas resident, Steven Trunnel. Trunnel’s wife, Judy, was the first U.S. resident to suffer from the flu pandemic, and Steven Trunnel is pursuing a wrongful death claim against Smithfield Foods. Smithfield Foods, based in Virginia, is the owner of the Mexican pig farm in La Gloria where the virus is thought to have first surfaced. Judy Trunnel was pregnant when she contracted the swine flu and though she died in the hospital, her healthy baby girl was successfully delivered by cesarean section. Following her death, the state health department released a statement claiming that Judy suffered from “chronic underlying health conditions” that contributed to her death. Husband, Steven Trunnel, continues to deny this claim asserting that she was perfectly healthy. Steven Trunnel has filed a petition in a Texas state district court seeking approval to initiate depositions for the wrongful death claim.

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton personal injury law firm (VA-NC law offices ) edits the injury law blogs Virginia Beach Injuryboard, Norfolk Injuryboard, as well as the Northeast North Carolina Injuryboard as a pro bono service to consumers. Lawyers licensed in: VA, NC, SC, WV, DC, KY, who handle car, truck, railroad, and medical negligence cases and more.

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