Two local law firms have joined the list of companies launching class-action lawsuits against Maple Leaf Foods.
Falconer-Charney LLB and Sutts-Strosberg LLB say consumers may be entitled to compensation if they experienced any physical or emotional injuries related to meat products on the Maple Leaf Foods recall list.
The suit has been filed on behalf of Cezanne Bilodeau, who is claiming $100 million in compensation for all consumers who purchased or who consumed food products on the recall list.
The firms advise consumers who may have eaten the products to seek medical attention and have blood tests to determine the presence of listeriosis.
They are also advising consumers not to throw out or return any contaminated products, but to keep them as evidence and store them in a freezer. Receipts and details of the purchase should also be saved and documented.
Meanwhile, more than 500 Canadians have contacted Merchant Law Group LLP about joining a class action suit for those affected by the listeriosis outbreak caused by tainted meat.
The firm has filed lawsuits against Toronto's Maple Leaf Foods in four provinces - Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
They cover people who have become ill after eating meat products from the plant, those who worry about becoming ill and consumers who have had to throw out recalled food.
Two Ontario plaintiffs, Oshawa residents Arthur Cole and Donna Hyland, have claimed combined damages of $350 million.
Firm partner Evatt Merchant calls the outbreak an "unbelievable tragedy" that "should have been avoided".
A statement of claim filed in the suit says Maple Leaf Foods would not have had to issue the recall if it had exercised "reasonable care in maintaining sanitary conditions" at its Toronto plant, accusing the company of lack of diligence in testing its products.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
So far, none of the suits involve the 15 deaths linked to the bacteria, which was found in meat produced at the North York plant.
If successful, compensation in the suit will vary by category.
Lawyer Tony Merchant says it is unlikely the company's product liability insurance will be able to cover the high cost of damages.
Merchant Law Group, which is based in Regina, specializes in class action lawsuits. It has handled numerous prominent cases, including the suit launched by shareholders of Hollinger Inc. against media baron Conrad Black.
For more information on the lawsuits visit www.mapleleaffoodsclassaction.com or www.strosbergco.com
With files from The Canadian Press.
