Helping Victims And Families Affected By Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that develops in people who have been exposed to a bacterium known as Legionella pneumophila. Sufferers experience headaches, muscle pains, fever, chills, chest pain, nausea, confusion and a cough, among other symptoms. While the disease can be treated with antibiotics, it is life threatening. People at high risk, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, die in outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease every year.

At The Gori Law Firm, our attorneys represent the victims of Legionnaires’ disease, as well as the families of those who have lost loved ones to the condition. Our firm has the resources and experience to handle even the most complex injury cases. If you or a loved one has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, call us at 618-307-4085 or contact us online to schedule a free case assessment.

A Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak

Contaminated water is the most common source of infection leading to Legionnaires’ disease. A veterans’ home in Quincy, Illinois, is the home of a recent outbreak of the condition. Nearly 50 people living in a state-owned facility contracted Legionnaires’ disease from an as-yet unknown source. The outbreak is similar to two recent outbreaks in California and New York.

Nursing homes, hospitals, hotels and cruise ships are common sites for severe outbreaks because water distributed through ventilation systems is likely to be inhaled by large numbers of residents. These sites are also likely to have therapy equipment, swimming pools, hot tubs and decorative fountains, which make ideal breeding grounds for the bacteria.

Negligence And Legionnaires’ Disease

Proper cleaning and disinfection of water systems prevents Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria cannot grow when water supplies are kept clean. There is no excuse for a nursing home or other facility to expose residents to the legionella bacteria.

If you have contracted Legionnaires’ disease, you should contact a skilled lawyer right away. If you have lost a loved one to this tragic condition, you need legal assistance. Call us today at 618-307-4085 to discuss your situation.