Siskinds LLP has commenced a class action lawsuit in relation to injuries/illnesses arising from a large outbreak of Salmonella infections caused by contaminated “Malichita” and “Rudy” brand cantaloupes from agricultural company Agropecuaria Malichita S.A de C.V, and a series of recalls associated with the outbreak.
Cantaloupe recall lawsuit
Siskinds is working with Slater Vecchio LLP in prosecuting the cantaloupe salmonella class action. Siskinds and Slater Vecchio seek to recover compensation for Canadians who consumed recalled cantaloupe products and suffered illness or death, as well as individuals who disposed of recalled cantaloupe products as a result of receiving notice of any alert due to possible Salmonella contamination.
You can view a list of recalled products by visiting the Canadian Government website.
If you or someone you know has consumed or purchased recalled cantaloupe products, from the brands Malichita and Rudy, email us at [email protected].
Health complications associated with salmonella infections
Salmonella is a bacterium that, when ingested, can cause severe gastroenteritis called salmonellosis (aka Salmonella infection). Symptoms of salmonellosis include:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- headaches;
- dizziness, myalgia; and
- low-grade fever.
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually last for several days. However, severe cases of salmonellosis can last much longer than several days, and related health complications may become serious and life threatening.
Long-term health complications can include reactive arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and immunological deficiencies.
Join the cantaloupe class action today
Contact us for more information on the case or to receive a free consultation by filling out the form below.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to participate in the cantaloupe lawsuit, please email [email protected] or 1.800.461.6166.
Developments
We are in the process of preparing an “authorization” record in the Quebec action. Authorization is the Quebec equivalent of “certification”. At the authorization hearing, the Quebec court will determine whether the action can appropriately proceed as a class action.
FAQs
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the cantaloupe recall class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class action legal counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Can I join the cantaloupe recall class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the cantaloupe class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class definition, you are automatically included in the class action unless you “opt-out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I opt-out of the cantaloupe salmonella class action?
Yes. Once the cantaloupe recall lawsuit has been authorized or certified, you will have the opportunity to opt-out of the class action within a period of time to be determined by the Court. If you exclude yourself from the legal proceedings, you will not be entitled to any compensation awarded under a settlement agreement or court order. You may, however, pursue your own legal action on an individual basis.
Generally, class members will wish to exclude themselves from a class action if they intend to bring their own individual action. In the majority of cases, it will be more economical to participate in the class action because the legal costs will be shared among a very large number of people.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have any other questions concerning your lawsuit eligibility, please email us at [email protected] or contact us by phone at 519.672.2121 or toll free at 1.800.461.6166.