Denver judge settles most wrongful-death lawsuits in 2011 listeria outbreak that killed 33

A Denver judge wrapped up most of the wrongful-death lawsuits stemming from a 2011 listeria outbreak that killed more than 30 people and sickened more than 140 others.

The Denver District Court judge approved settlements Wednesday for the families of 30 of the 33 people who died. The relatives sued companies that handled or sold the melons. Twenty lawsuits from those who fell ill also were settled.

Attorney Bill Marler said details are confidential. Other lawsuits have been filed in several states.

Wednesday's settlements involve Kroger, Walmart, Frontera Produce and Jensen Farms. A claim against Sunflower Markets is pending.

The outbreak was traced to a Colorado cantaloupe farm. Two farmers pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges and were sentenced to five years of probation and six months of home detention.