Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization, long-term health complications, and even death.
Although the illness is caused by Legionella bacteria, many outbreaks are linked to contaminated water systems that should have been properly maintained. When property owners, hospitals, hotels, or other responsible parties fail to prevent the spread of the bacteria, those affected may have the right to pursue legal action.
Below, we’ll explain what causes Legionnaires’ disease, who may be considered liable for an outbreak, and what you should know about filing a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit.
What is Legionnaires’ disease?
In 1976, attendees at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia developed a mysterious form of pneumonia that left doctors searching for answers.
Researchers eventually identified the cause as Legionella bacteria, and the illness became known as Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia that can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
Legionella bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, a much milder illness with flu-like symptoms that typically resolves without treatment. Unlike Pontiac fever, however, Legionnaires’ disease can be life-threatening.
What causes Legionnaires’ disease?
Most people develop Legionnaires’ disease by inhaling tiny water droplets containing Legionella bacteria.
The bacteria naturally occur in freshwater sources such as lakes and streams, where they rarely pose a health risk. Problems arise when Legionella grows and spreads in man-made water systems, including cooling towers, plumbing systems, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and large air conditioning systems.
Some people are more likely to develop Legionnaires’ disease or experience severe illness, including:
- Adults age 50 and older
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic lung disease or other serious medical conditions
- Smokers
Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks are especially concerning in hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, and other large buildings with complex water systems, where the bacteria can spread more easily, and many occupants may be at a higher risk of severe infection.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease typically develop 2 to 10 days after exposure to Legionella bacteria. Early symptoms often resemble the flu and may include:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- High fever, often 104°F (40°C) or higher
Within a few days, additional symptoms may develop, including:
- Persistent cough, sometimes producing mucus or blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion or other changes in mental status
Although Legionnaires’ disease primarily affects the lungs and causes a severe form of pneumonia, the infection can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, including the heart or open wounds, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Complications of Legionnaires’ disease
In severe cases, Legionnaires’ disease can cause serious, and sometimes life-threatening, complications, including:
- Respiratory failure: Severe pneumonia can prevent the lungs from supplying the body with enough oxygen or removing enough carbon dioxide from the blood.
- Septic shock: A severe infection can trigger a dangerous drop in blood pressure, reducing blood flow to vital organs such as the brain and kidneys. As the heart works harder to compensate, it can become weakened, causing blood flow to decrease even further.
- Acute kidney failure: The kidneys may suddenly lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, allowing harmful toxins and fluid to build up in the body.
It’s common for people diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease to be hospitalized, and without prompt diagnosis and treatment, it can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Legionnaires’ disease has a fatality rate of approximately 10-25%.
What are the Legionnaires’ disease lawsuits?
Legionnaires’ disease is a serious but often preventable illness. Property owners, hospitals, hotels, nursing homes, and other facilities that operate large water systems have a responsibility to properly maintain those systems and reduce the risk of Legionella bacteria growth. When they fail to do so, people can become seriously ill.
Depending on the circumstances, property owners, healthcare facilities, maintenance companies, or other parties responsible for inspecting and maintaining contaminated water systems may be held liable for a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
If you or a loved one developed symptomatic Legionnaires’ disease after exposure to contaminated water, or if your family lost someone to the illness, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation through a Legionnaires’ disease lawsuit.
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Woods & Woods, LLC is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or associated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
