Lawsuit Filed Over Swine Flu
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Steven Trunnell filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork producer, headquartered in Virginia. Smithfield Foods is the owner of the large pig farm located in Perote, Mexico, where the first cases of the H1N1 flu (Swine flu) were belived to be detected.
Mr. Trunnell’s wife, Judy Dominguez Trunnell became the first American to die from the Swine flu outbreak. Mrs. Trunnell, a 33 year old Special Education teacher, was eight months pregnant when she became ill with the virus in April. She was placed on a ventilator before passing away in early May. Her baby was successfully delivered by a cesarean section.
Although news reports have provided that Mrs. Trunnell had underlying health conditions that may have contributed to her death, Mary Ann Roser from the American Statesman Staff reports that Mr. Trunnell has stated those claims are false. In fact, Mrs. Trunnell was in perfect health before becoming ill with the Swine flu virus.
Mr. Trunnell’s attorney, Marc Rosenthal, of Rosenthal & Watson, a law firm based in Texas, filed the petition on behalf of his client in Cameron County. The petition request additional information from Smithfield Foods, including depositions from the company’s officials. The petition will be indicative as to whether there is enough evidence to support Mr. Trunnell’s claim.
In a report by Lauren Etter Smithfield Foods has stated that:
No H1/N1 influenza, or swine flu, was detected on its hog farms in Mexico.
Smithfield says tests were conducted by Mexican authorities, which had taken samples from hogs on Smithfield's farm about two weeks ago.
The Mexican government has said that there was no evidence of the disease on those farms. Smithfield said its tests were done for additional assurance "so the public can have full confidence in the health of our Mexican pig herd," according to a letter dated May 1 from Mr. Pope, the President and Chief Executive of Smithfield Foods.
For the most part new cases of H1N1 have been declining, which has many believing that the health scare is almost over. The symptoms of Swine flu as provided by the CDC include typical flu symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, chills, and body aches.
As with any flu or cold virus, people can help prevent the spread of these illnesses by washing their hands often, covering their mouths when they sneeze and cough, and by staying home from school or work when they are feeling ill.