By now most people have heard about the cantaloupe that has been recalled after it was found to be contaminated with Listeria. The fruit was shipped to 25 states including Pennsylvania. To date, across the country 13 people have died and scores more have been sickened from the Rocky Ford cantaloupes that were grown and harvested at Jensen Farms in Colorado.

To most that contract Listeria, the infection results in only a mild illness. Symptoms of the infection include fever, muscle ache, diarrhea and nausea. For babies, women who are pregnant and the elderly however, the illness is much more dangerous and among other things can lead to death.

The family of one man who died earlier this month after contracting the infection has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the farm where the cantaloupes were grown. The daughter of the 87-year-old man is hopeful that food safety laws will be made stricter as a result of the lawsuit.

Wrongful death lawsuits are a civil remedy available for the loved ones of a person who has died as a result of someone else's negligence. While most would agree that money cannot bring a loved one back or buy happiness for those left behind, it can make it a bit easier to move forward in life. For many, filing a wrongful death lawsuit to hold negligent parties responsible also helps to provide a sense of closure.

It is likely that additional lawsuits will be filed by others affected by the infected cantaloupes. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide relevant updates as they become available.

Source: CNN, "Victims' families tell how tainted fruit turned to tragedy," Moni Basu, Sept. 30, 2011