Legionnaires’ disease is a dangerous form of pneumonia caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria. Each year, around 6,000 cases are reported in the United States, but experts estimate that as many as 18,000 people may actually be hospitalized annually due to underdiagnosis and misidentification. While treatable with antibiotics, the illness can be severe, often requiring hospitalization, and in many cases, it can be fatal.
Because Legionnaires’ disease is almost always linked to contaminated water systems, outbreaks are often preventable when property owners, businesses, and healthcare facilities take appropriate precautions.
How Legionnaires’ Disease is Contracted
Legionella bacteria are naturally found in water and soil, but they become a serious health risk when they grow in man-made water systems that are not properly maintained. The bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and can spread through:
- Cooling towers and HVAC systems
- Hot tubs, spas, and decorative fountains
- Large plumbing systems in hotels, apartment complexes, or hospitals
- Poorly maintained water features or industrial water systems
- Even windshield washer fluid tanks filled with plain water
People can become infected when they inhale tiny droplets of water or mist contaminated with bacteria. Unlike the flu or common cold, Legionnaires’ disease does not usually spread from person to person.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
The illness typically develops within two to fourteen days of exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Cough and shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, and muscle aches
- Headaches and fatigue
- Confusion, nausea, or diarrhea
Legionnaires’ disease is more likely to affect certain groups of people. Older adults, smokers, those with chronic lung disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a significantly higher risk. Patients who contract the disease in healthcare settings are especially vulnerable, and these cases carry the highest mortality rates.
The severity of Legionnaires’ disease makes it a public health concern. About one in ten people who contract the illness die from complications, such as respiratory failure. For patients exposed while in a hospital or long-term care facility, the mortality rate rises to one in four. Even survivors may require lengthy hospital stays and ongoing medical care.
Legal Options for Those Diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease
Because the disease is preventable, many outbreaks can be traced back to negligence. Property owners, building managers, and healthcare facilities have a duty to keep their water systems safe. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) emphasize the importance of water management programs to control the spread of Legionella. These programs involve:
- Regular cleaning and disinfection of water systems
- Monitoring water temperature and disinfectant levels
- Identifying areas where the bacteria could grow
- Taking corrective measures when problems are detected
When businesses, landlords, or hospitals fail to implement these safeguards, the consequences can be devastating. Victims of Legionnaires’ disease may be entitled to pursue legal action to recover damages such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospital and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering caused by the illness
- Wrongful death claims for families who have lost a loved one
Holding negligent parties accountable not only helps victims and families recover compensation but also pushes property owners and businesses to take preventative measures, protecting others from future harm.
If you or a loved one has been affected by Legionnaires’ disease, contact the attorneys at Singleton Schreiber. Our team has the experience and resources to investigate outbreaks, identify those responsible, and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
