Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit Help
The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg is currently assisting those injured by infections related to environmental contamination, including Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. For a free Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit evaluation, contact our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. You can also contact our lawyers by submitting the online “Free Legal Evaluation Form” found on this page.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionnaires’ disease is an infection caused by Legionella bacteria. Individuals can contract Legionnaires’ disease when they breathe in water mist or vapor contaminated with Legionella bacteria. Most victims of Legionnaires’ disease will develop pneumonia. The disease can be prevented by keeping the bacteria out of the water of hot water tanks, cooling towers, hot tubs, fountains, and plumbing systems through proper maintenance and water testing.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuits
There are multiple factors that will affect the viability and compensation of a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit or settlement. While investigating or preparing a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit the following may be considered:
- Was the source of Legionella contamination identified? Public health officials can determine how an outbreak began by isolating Legionella bacteria from a water source that the patient was recently exposed to. Through a laboratory technique commonly referred to as “DNA finger printing” public health officials can compare, a Legionella strain isolated from an environmental water sample to the strain that caused a particular patient’s illness.
- How severe are the injuries? Damages are based on the severity of the illness including any long-term affects to the victim’s health, well being, and quality of life. In the case of a fatal Legionella infection, a wrongful death claim may be brought against the responsible party on behalf of the victim’s family.
- Are there economic damages for the victim, or the victim’s family? Lost wages and income, and current and future medical expenses will comprise economic damages. Through economic forecasting, the victim’s future medical expenses related to their injury, and future lost earnings based on the victim’s age, income, and education can be estimated.
- Additional considerations. Loss of companionship and/or loss of guidance, and pain and suffering may also be considered for compensation.
Additional facts about Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the following information regarding Legionella infection. More information can be found at the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/legionella:
- Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment, usually in water. The bacteria grow well in warm water, which explains why Legionella contamination can be associated with the water found in cooling towers, fountains, large plumbing systems, hot water tanks, spas, and hot tubs.
- Legionella bacteria do not spread from person to person. Instead, people contract Legionella bacteria when they inhale aerosolized contaminated water.
- Signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease may be similar to other forms of pneumonia and can include cough, shortness of breath, high fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Symptoms typically begin 2 to 10 days after being exposed to Legionella bacteria, but people should watch for symptoms for about 2 weeks after exposure to the bacteria.
- Legionnaires disease treatment requires antibiotics. As with any health issue, questions and concerns regarding Legionnaires disease should be directed to your doctor or health care provider. If you have reason to believe you were exposed to the bacteria, talk to your doctor or local health department.
Legionnaires’ Disease Lawsuit Help
The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg is currently assisting individuals who have suffered bacterial infections related to environmental contamination. If you or a loved one was injured in a Legionella outbreak, and you have a question regarding your legal rights, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274 for a free Legionella lawsuit case evaluation.
